The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from January 2009

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from January 2009

Heed TM warnings, cautions and notes.(technical manuals)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] These days, technical manuals are available in both paper and electronic media. Special messages, known as WARNINGS, CAUTIONS and NOTES, are found all throughout paper manuals and plain electronic technical manuals...

PM cools off AFES problems.(Stryker ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] AFES CEP During the startup sequence, when you set the AUX MASTER switch to the on position, take a look at the AFES control electronics panel (CEP). The green LED for SYSTEM ON should light up to indicate that...

Loose shield as bad as no shield.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, the heat shields in the M1-series tank's engine compartment are there to protect the fuel cells from the extreme heat of the engine. That's why you need to treat the shields with care, especially when...

Keep hawkers charged.(M2/M3-Series Bradleys ...)(Hawker batteries on Bradley Fighting Vehicles)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Drivers, as good as the new Hawker batteries are, they can still be drained while your Bradley sits around the motorpool, especially if you forget to turn off all electronic equipment during downtimes. So you'll...

Easier launcher raising.(M2/M3-Series Bradley ...)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Editor, Sometimes you have to manually raise the Bradley's TOW launcher. Normally, you use a 14mm socket wrench, which requires you to crank and crank because you can make only a 1/2 turn at a time before...

M113-series FOV engine oil cooler bolt.(M2/M3-Series Bradley ...)(Bradley Fighting Vehicle)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Need a new bolt to attach the oil cooler bracket to your M113-series vehicle's 6V53T diesel engine, NSN 2815-01-248-7644 or NSN 2815-01-412-2715? Don't use the one called out as Item 20 in Fig 18 of TM 9-2815-205-34P. That bolt, NSN...

Dancin' machine not needed.(M88A2 Recovery Vehicle ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] When the boom is down during operation, that lock is needed to keep the boom from doing the ol' jitterbug every time you hit a bump in the road. Not using the lock lets the boom bounce like crazy. And that puts...

Got a screw loose?(M992A2 Ammo Carrier ...)(military vehicles)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] That's why it pays to keep a close watch on the screws that hold the rear door latch mechanism in place. Vibration and everyday wear and tear can loosen the screws. If they work loose, the latching bar can fall...

Bad packing: an exhausting problem.(M109-Series SP Howitzer, M992A2 Ammo Carrier ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Crewmen, does your howitzer or ammo carrier have exhaust leaks in the engine compartment? If so, the culprit could be a worn-out exhaust deflector packing. It's supposed to plug up the space between the deflector...

Use new tow bar with caution.(HMMWVs ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Basic Guidelines * Use of Ibis Tek tow bar, part number 2509-400001, CAGE code 1SC69, is only for HMMWV to HMMWV applications. This tow bar is black. The older Ibis Tek tan tow bar is not authorized. ...

Power steering checks.(M1113/M1114 HMMWVs ...)(high mobility mutipurpose wheeled vehicle)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, I need to know how to properly check the power steering on M1113 and M1114 up-armored HMMWVs. While sitting still in traffic, the steering wheel is hard to turn. Plus, they make noise when turned...

Capscrew torque for sheppard steering gear.(M1151A1, M1152A1, and M1165A1 HMMWV ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Before you torque, apply sealing compound to the threads of the three capscrews. Then install the steering gear onto the frame using the bracket, three flat washers, three lock washers, and the three capscrews that...

Use new FRS TMs!(M7 Forward Repair System ...)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, The M7 forward repair system (FRS) tech manuals, TM 9-4940-56810 (Jun 08), -10HR (Jun 08) and -24P (Jan 08) have been posted on LOGSA's ETM website and are ready for Soldiers to use in the field....

Use two jack stands and chock the wheels.(Hydraulic Jacks ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Bonnie, A Soldier was recently killed in a maintenance-related accident in Afghanistan. The mechanic was performing maintenance on the front brake calipers of an up-armored M1114 HMMWV sitting on two...

Magazine jam? Renew PM subscription.(M16-Series Rifle, M4/M4A1 Carbine, M9 Pistol ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Soldiers are complaining about magazines jamming in Southwest Asia with their M16 rifles, M4/M4A1 carbines and M9 pistols. That desert's very fine sand causes some of those magazine problems, but much of that...

Where to find M14 rifle info.
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many units in SWA are being issued M14 rifles for their marksmen. But since the M14 has been used rarely by the Army in the last 30 years, finding info on topics like parts, PMCS, and gaging can be a puzzle. Be...

UOC makes all the difference.(M240 Machine Gun ...)(Cartoon)
January 1, 2009... HEY, THAT'S AN M240 BARREL... AND I'M AN M240B! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GET ME THE RIGHT BARREL!! YOU DIDN'T CHECK THE UOC, DID YOU? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UOC (USABLE ON CODE) MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU ORDER PARTS...

Sling swivel adapters part II.(M249 Machine Gun ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pages 20-21 in PS 661 (Dec 07) told you about the new sling swivel adapters for the M249 machine gun that don't crack the upper receiver hole for the snap hooks. Well, since then there have been some corrections...

Rules to prevent tragedy.(Range Safety ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, Someone was accidentally shot on a firing range last year because a unit had gotten a live round mixed in with dummy rounds. Remembering a few rules could have prevented that: 1. If you ever...

Not as bad as it looks.(Mortars ...)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, Sometimes 60mm and 81mm mortars are being condemned too soon because erosion looks worse than it really is. TM 9-1000-202-14, Evaluation of Cannon Tubes, tells you to check for erosion by...

Are you stockpiling?(All Aircraft ...)(aviation intermediate maintenance)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, your AVIM shop would love nothing more than for you to turn in unserviceable components ASAP. But that's not happening! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you're not turning in parts like night vision...

Don't kick the stick.(AH-64A/D ...)(Apache attack helicopters)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Pilots and copilots, are you in a hurry to enter or exit your AH-64? Did you know your feet are a dangerous weapon to your aircraft controls? Avoid causing extra work by steering your feet clear of the cyclic...

Save yourself some money.(CH-47D/F ...)(military helicopters)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, the Pall purifier, NSN 4330-01-522-2007, does a great job in purifying and purging your Chinook's hydraulic systems. You'll be glad to hear you can save money when ordering parts. The commercial parts...

Just anywhere will not do.(HGU-56/P ...)(aviation helmets)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After the ALSE shop issues you a helmet, don't stick it just anywhere for security while you're in the field. Protecting your helmet is simple. Tag it and place it in its original container or a suitable box like...

Aircraft Jack stand maintenance.(Ground Support ...)(Cartoon)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BEFORE YOU PUT A BIRD ON AN AIRCRAFT JACK, MAKE SURE YOU'VE GIVEN THE JACK A THOROUGH ONCE-OVER. HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD EYEBALL: THE HYDRAULIC PUMP CYLINDER AND RAM, THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND BASE, AND...

That's one rugged telephone set!(TA-1058A/U ...)(military communications equipment)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] --an RJ-11 connector and parallel binding posts so you can connect to standard telephone lines or field lines. --a dual-tone, multifrequency key pad with programmable memory keys and a redial key. --a...

Survival radio battery.(AN/PRC-90, -1, -2 ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The BA-5368/U lithium battery, NSN 6135-01-455-7947, has been the battery of choice to power the AN/PRC-90 survival radio since the BA-1568 mercury battery, NSN 6135-00-838-0706, went away. Now, the BA-5368/U...

Transform the charger.(PP-8498/U ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Now that you're up to speed on the charger, check to see if you have the latest software installed. Take a look at the PROGRAM label just above the RS 232 software upgrade port. If you have the latest software, the...

All about the batteries.(AN/PVS-7 NVGs ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One possibility, and it's a good one, is the non-rechargeable lithium-manganese dioxide battery, BA-5367/U, NSN 6135-01-507-1135. It comes in a package of 12. You need just one to power your night vision goggles and...

PM for trouble-free deconning.(M12A1 Decon ...)(preventive maintenance for M12A1 antitank vehicle)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Belts: Especially in the desert, the five belts dry out and crack. If a belt breaks in the field, your deconning is done. At least monthly, check the belts for cracks and proper tension. One belt that is usually...

On the hunt with PM.(Fox CBRN Vehicle ...)(preventive maintenance of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear reconnaissance vehicle)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Check the boots. The shocks, struts, A-arm bars for the axles, and the tie rods all have boots. If these boots are torn or suffering dry rot, their grease leaks out and soon you've got major damage. At least monthly,...

Grab that grease gun!(621B Scraper ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Brake Camshafts Lube the brake camshafts during the 500-hr/3-month service. If you neglect 'em, the shafts will bind--usually with the brakes on. Then the brakes drag, the linings glaze, and the heat...

Hook block news.(22-Ton Crane ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Some Lube Will Do Without lube, the block's sheaves, trunnion and thrust bearings can seize up. That causes excessive wear and tear on the crane hoist cables and hook block sheaves. For smooth crane...

Learn to lighten up.(Chemlights ...)(glow sticks)
January 1, 2009... IF YOU'RE HEADING TO THE FIELD, PACK PLENTY OF CHEMLIGHTS. THEY'RE PORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT. YOU ACTIVATE THEM WITH A SIMPLE BEND, SNAP AND SHAKE. HERE ARE SOME OF THEIR FEATURES... * no heat, sparks or flames * no batteries...

Common AOAP myths and facts.
January 1, 2009... MYTH--All of the Army's equipment is enrolled in the Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP). FACT--Only 23 percent of aeronautical equipment and 27 percent of non-aeronautical equipment are enrolled in the AOAP. MYTH--The requirement to have...

Do your level best.(Expandable Shelters ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] * Assign a soldier to each leveling jack. Raise all four corners of the shelter at the same time. That helps to evenly spread out the weight and makes it easier to turn the jack handles. Raise the shelter about 3...

Wanted dead or alive.(Connie's Post Scripts)
January 1, 2009... CECOM needs Kiowa Warrior units to turn in unused serviceable or unserviceable inverters, NSN 6130-01-186-8815, part number 406-075802-103. There is now a repair program for the inverter. Contact the CECOM Item Manager for the details: DSN...

Molle buckles set.(Connie's Post Scripts)(modular lightweight load carrying equipment)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Did you bust a buckle? You don't have to order the entire MOLLE field pack if one buckle has broken. Instead, replace busted buckles with the MOLLE buckles set, NSN 8465-01-524-7639. The set contains: * one 2-in center release buckle...

MMDF now published quarterly.(Connie's Post Scripts)
January 1, 2009... The Maintenance Master Data File (MMDF) is now published each quarter. This increase is based on the SB 700-20 going to monthly updates. The MMDF will be published to LOGSA's Logistics Information Warehouse website every January, April, July,...

M1101 trailer MWO application.(Connie's Post Scripts)(modification work order)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... MWO 9-2330-392-20-1 gives your trailer's landing leg mounting bracket more stability, and MWO 9-2330-392-20-2 upgrades the original surge brake actuator. And both MWOs apply to M1101 and M1102 trailers and chassis manufactured under the 1994...