The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from January 2005

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from January 2005

Get PS to the troops.(Editorial)
January 1, 2005... The goal of PS Magazine is to help operators and unit-level maintainers perform better preventive maintenance. Unfortunately, it seems PS isn't getting down to the troops as much as it should. Whatever the reason, when troops don't get PS,...

HEMTT ... keep cool in the clutch.(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... Dear Editor, While stationed in Iraq, the heat sometimes got so bad that the thermostat inside our HEMTT's fan clutch actuator would lock in the closed position. If the cooling fan can't come on, the engine overheats. Cargo is too...

Brakeless in Baghdad?(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Drivers, remember to check the vent valves on all four axles during the weekly checks. If the valves won't vent, your HEMTT blows seals. Oil leaks out. Enough leakage and the oil seeps into the brake pads. Then you'll have a hard time...

HEMTT ... high noon dooms valve stem.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Drivers, the only thing worse than a flat tire on a loaded HEMTT is two flat tires, especially if one of 'em is the spare. But a fiat spare is exactly what you get if you load and unload the spare tire with the valve stem at the 12 o'clock...

M984E1 HEMTT ... wheel seal reminder.(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... Dear Editor, We've come across a serious number of leaking wheel seals, NSN 5330-01-048-6240, on our fleet of M984E1 HEMTT wreckers. After investigating, we discovered that the inner wear ring was being mistakenly installed on the...

M1000 HET Semitrailer ... clean bogies a classic.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Mechanics, with 10 bogies to maintain, the last things you need are chewed up brake lines and suspension cylinder seals on an M1000 HET semitrailer. But that's what will happen if your operators don't keep the bogie bottoms free of crud...

HMMWV ... give generator a squeeze.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... A loose generator mount is a big problem, drivers. If it's bouncing around, it won't do its job properly. And continued vibration is just going to loosen it more. Problem is, it's hard to tell by sight alone whether the mounting bracket...

FMTV ... Is there a cover for the M66 ring mount?
January 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, Is there a cover for the M66 ring mount when it's mounted on an FMTV? A cover would help us protect the M66 from corrosion. CW2 D.C. Dear Chief D.C., Yes, there is a cover. Order it with NSN 1005-00-707-0725....

Tank and pump units ... flowmeter available.
January 1, 2005... Dear Sergeant C. L., Your commander can OK using flowmeter assembly, NSN 4930-01-108-9568, with that tank and pump unit. It doesn't come with the tank and pump unit, so order it separately. It comes with all hoses and hardware you need to...

Avenger missile system ... shoot down gun problems.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Don't forget the Avenger not only shoots Stingers but bullets as well. Often, however, the M3P machine gun is forgotten during PMCS, which leads to jamming instead of shooting when you go to the field. Here are ways to shoot down M3P problems....

Patriot missile system ... making your entrance.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The modular protection entrance that's used on the Patriot's vans is not a high-density item with lots of repair parts in the supply system. If the entrance is damaged, you probably won't be able to repair it unless you can fabricate parts...

M16A4 rifle, M4/M4A1 carbine ... where do I find MWS parts?
January 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, We are having trouble finding modular weapon system parts For our M16A4 rifles and M4/M4A1 canines. Where should we look? CPT J.P.

Machine guns ... don't spare the spare barrel.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Terrible things happen when you fire and fire your machine gun without switching barrels. The barrel becomes VERY HOT, which can cause: * a cookoff * a warped barrel * a worn-out bolt and barrel * ruined headspacing, which can...

Machine gun mounts ... keep M6 pedestal low.
January 1, 2005... Low is the way to go while firing the MK19 machine gun oil the M6 pedestal. When the M6 is set any higher than one hole exposed, it can interfere with the recoil of the MK19, especially in the cold. So set the M6 at one hole exposed or...

MK19 machine gun ... good leverage for feeding.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... If the MK19 machine gun drive levers can't move ammo forward, it comes to a dead stop on firing. Keep the drive levers on the move with these points: * MWO 9-1010-230-50-1 replaces the secondary drive with an adjustable lever. But you must...

MK19 machine gun ... tools every armorer needs.
January 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, I think there are too many armorers who don't; have all t;he special tools needed to work on the MK19 machine gun. It would help if you would put a list of the special tools and their NSNs in PS so armorers would know what...

M1-Series tanks ... keep the spring in breechblock.
January 1, 2005... Tankers, if the breech on your tank seems to take forever to close, deformed breechblock springs could be the culprit. If they're left compressed for extended periods of time, the springs lose their spring. They just don't have enough oomph...

M1-Series tanks ... don't recoil from recoil check.
January 1, 2005... If your tank's replenisher has been drained for maintenance, or if you're preparing for a firing exercise, you must remember to check the FRH level in the replenisher, crewmen. If the recoil system is low on fluid, the main gun could recoil...

M88A1 recovery vehicle ... new clamps save fingers.(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... Dear Editor, The metal transmission line, NSN 4710-01-184-4896, shown as Item 7 in Fig 179 of TM 9-2350-256-2HP-1, comes in two pieces that are joined together with a rubber hose and two hose clamps. The problem we have is with the...

M2/M3-Series Bradleys ... tell sand to shove off!(maintainance and repairs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... For those deployed to Iraq, sand is a constant headache. It gets in your clothes, your food, and if you're not careful, into the fuel tank of your Bradley. Sand gathers around the cracks and crevices of the fuel cap filler neck. Then it...

MLRS ... lessons learned the hard way.(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... Pear Editor, Through our experiences with the MLRS in the field, we've learned these lessons the hard way. We hope they make operating easier for other MLRS units. Check the Generator One of the first things you learn about the...

M113-Series FOV ... don't forget fuel cap PM.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Topside Some of you may forget that there's a screen cap and rubber vent grommet on top of the fuel cap. If it's not cleaned every 6 months--more often in dusty, sandy environments--the cap gets plugged with dirt. That creates a vacuum and...

M992A2 Ammo carrier ... don't forget the fire wire.
January 1, 2005... BEFORE YOU PULL THE ENGINE DECK PLATES TO REMOVE THE M992A2'S POWERBACK, ASK YOURSELF ONE QUESTION, MECHANICS... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... "DID YOU REMEMBER TO DISCONNECT THE FIRE WIRES FIRST?" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "THE...

Aicraft avionics ... paperwork first! Then send components.
January 1, 2005... Don't turn in avionic components to your AVIM shop for repair without the right paperwork, mechanics. For example, aviation night vision goggles are showing up at AVIM shops with no paperwork. Without a completed DA FORM 2408-30, NVG...

OH-58D ... Kiowa engine barrier filters.
January 1, 2005... Dear Rotor, Flying in sandy desert; conditions clogs the Kiowa's barrier filters faster than you can say "Hooah." So, we service, change, clean or shake out the primary filters more than usual to keep clean air going into the engine....

Upkeep of ABDUs.(aviation battle dress uniforms )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Aviation folks, take a close look at your aviation battle dress uniforms (ABDUs). Does the fabric look tattered and worn out? If it does, the thermal protection the ABDUs provide has been reduced, too. Have your aviation life support...

Fight insect attacks.
January 1, 2005... After a forced landing in the boonies, the last thing a flight crew needs is to be bothered by insects. Order insect repellant, NSN 6840-01-452-9582, for the primary survival gear carrier (PSGC) vest. And don't leave home without it.

Kiowa Warrior MMS desiccant.
January 1, 2005... Stop ordering desiccant container, NSN 6850-01-214-3682, for the MMS shroud because the desiccant breaks down too quickly. Use NSN 6850-01456-0554. It is now the only authorized nonrefillable desiccant container for the Kiowa Warrior's...

Aviation life support equipment.
January 1, 2005... If you're looking for size 12 flight gloves, order with NSN 8415-01-482-8420. And for all your aviation life support equipment (ALSE) needs, check out the new FM 3-04.508, Aviation Life Support Maintenance Management and Training Programs. The...

Apache chock block.
January 1, 2005... Apache crews, finding the right size chock for your bird is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Yes, you can locally make them, but here's one that's a perfect fit. Order the 14x6x4-in wood chock with a cotton rope with NSN...

Under-floor paint.
January 1, 2005... You can't get the white epoxy paint for the CH-47D cabin under-floor area top coat listed in TM 55-1520- 240-23-1 and -2. Here are the glossy white paint replacement NSNs you can order: 8010-01-383-7889, 2 qt; 8010-01-414-8439, 1 gal;...

Electrical connectors ... pins! Attention!
January 1, 2005... The pins in electrical connectors must stand straight and tall. A bent pin means a poor connection or no connection at all. And, eventually, a bent pin becomes a broken pin. But straightening bent pins is not easy. The tool most often used...

Batteries ... put on their covers.
January 1, 2005... Uncovered battery posts can put a serious crimp in your day. If a piece of metal touches both terminals--or touches the positive terminal and a ground at the same time--you get a spark. Throw some fuel fumes or battery gases into the...

LRAS3 AN/TAS 8 ... turn in unserviceable parts.
January 1, 2005... READERS... DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA TO SHARE WITH OTHER SOLDIERS? LET US HEAR FROM YOU! CONTACT ME A half.mast@us.army.mil OR SEND MAIL TO ME AT... MSG HALFMAST PS, THE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE MONTHLY USAMC LOGSA (AMXLS-AM) 5307 SPARKMAN...

LRAS3 AN/TAS 8 ... turn in unserviceable parts.
January 1, 2005... The demand for long range advanced scout surveillance system (LRAS3) infrared night vision sight (AN/TAS8) repair parts is high, but the turn-in of unserviceable parts is low. Unserviceable parts are only unserviceable to you, the user....

Antenna cap confusion.
January 1, 2005... Every vehicular antenna needs a tip cap for safety, but there seems to be some confusion as to which antenna gets which cap. Here are the NSNs you need to get the right cap on the right antenna: Antenna Tip Cap NSN AS-3900A...

AB-1339/G antenna covers.
January 1, 2005... ATTENTION MSE UNITS... MASTHEAD CAPS, NSN 5340-01-270-5083, KEEP THE WEATHER AND THE DIRT OUT OF MASTHEADS WHEN THE AB-1339/G ANTENNA IS STORED ON TRAILERS. USE THEM!

Jeweler's screwdriver set ...
January 1, 2005... HAVE WE GOT A DEAL FOR YOU! FOR JUST A LITTLE MORE THAN THE COST OF A SUPER-SIZED BURGER, BIGGIE FRIES, EXTRA-LARGE DRINK AND A CHERRY PIE,... ... YOU CAN NOW OWN YOUR VERY OWN JEWELER'S SCREWDRIVER SET. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

SB-22 switchboard ... in a bind over binding posts?
January 1, 2005... The SB-22 switchboard has three binding posts on its back. These posts let you hook up distant phones. Replacing the binding posts is a tough task, because the NSN for the posts is not in the parts manuals. However, we've got it! Order...

Night vision devices ... data plate details.
January 1, 2005... Replacement ID plates come from PM Sensors and Lasers at Ft. Belvoir. To get one, your unit must tell them the type of NVG and the serial number. They will also need the address and phone number of a unit POC. Just call the POC at DSN...

D7G tractors ... PM link for linkage.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Operators, here are some quick pointers that will link you up to the right PM on the dozer's throttle linkage. A Stuck Lever Moisture and mud corrode the linkage for the governor control lever (throttle). Enough corrosion causes the...

D7G tractors ... fittings need lube.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Operators, don't skip the lube for these two grease fittings. They usually get overlooked during scheduled services. Sprocket Bearings The dozer's drive sprocket bearings take the brunt while working in sand and mud. Sand and water get...

M40/M42-series protective masks ... ways to breather better.(military supplies)
January 1, 2005... No faceforms. NBC NCOs and operators, throw away those faceforms. They're no longer considered necessary for mask storage in the NBC room and they were never meant to go to the field. If you need something in writing on getting rid of the...

Advanced combat helmet ... a new helmet for a new age.(military supplies)
January 1, 2005... Some new headgear is making its debut in the Army. Called the advanced combat helmet (ACH), it's replacing the old PASGT kevlar helmet. Maybe you haven't seen an ACH yet, but it's not too soon to get acquainted. Here are some of its features:...

Food containers ... alive and kicking.(military supplies)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... HE'S A REAL OLD-TIMER,... ME AND YOU BOTH, PAL! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SAHEM... THE INSULTED FOOD CONTAINER, NSN 7330-00-238-2411 HAS BEEN AROUND FOREVER... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... AND WITH AGE COMES WEAR AND TEAR....

Combat lifesaver aid bag ... the mystery of the missing items.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... On Pages 54-55 of PS 612 we published an article about stocking the combat life-saver aid bag, NSN 6545-01-254-9551. The article listed the medical items and quantities required for each bag. It reflected the prescribed packing list. *...

Personal gear ... neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet ...(waterproof stationery)
January 1, 2005... Dear Editor, Notes concerning our unit and its mission, sketches of terrain, comments about weapon systems--that's the kind of stuff I jot down when our unit goes to the field. The trouble comes when I take notes while huddled outside in...

Fire extinguishers ... mission capable or not?
January 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, I have an M923 5-ton truck that's missing a fire extinguisher. This is an Authorized Additional Item, not a BII item. PS 584, Page 60, tells me it's not essential and therefore the truck is FULLY MISSION CAPABLE, unless...