The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from June 2005

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from June 2005

Hot weather issue.(military tanks preventive maintenance)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Try to remember that when you're getting ready for the next hot turn-around. Yes, there's plenty of danger outside the wire, but what about the risk you're taking if you don't do PM? That HMMWV or Bradley you're driving or commanding or...

Keep tank breathing fresh air.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(military tanks air filters maintenance)
June 1, 2005... The air induction system on your tank is like a giant vacuum cleaner--it sucks up anything that gets close. That's the reason for your tank's seals and filters. They screen out sand and dirt so that only clean air can get through. They...

Heat is hard on track.(M2/M3-Series Bradley, MLRS Carrier ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... It's a fact of life: The hotter it gets, the harder it is on your Bradley and MLRS T157I track. When operating on improved road surfaces at increased convoy speeds (faster than 25 mph) and when temperatures are at or above 100[degrees]F,...

Keep the cool air flowing.(M109-Series SP Howitzers, M992-Series Ammo Carriers ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Mechanics, if you've been getting complaints of a hot-running engine in an M109-series howitzer or M992-series ammo carrier, make the radiator shroud seals one of your first checks. Those seals form an air barrier between the radiator and...

AmmoHelp has the answers.(Ammunition ...)
June 1, 2005... Need help with a question when dealing with ammunition-related problems? Not sure where to turn? Sources of valuable advice include a Quality Assurance Specialist (Ammunition Surveillance), ammunition supply point personnel, range safety,...

Providing power in the heat.(Lead-Acid Batteries ...)
June 1, 2005... Working in the heat means drinking lots of water so your body stays hydrated. So you drink lots of water. Working in the heat also affects the Water in lead-acid batteries. So you have to keep them hydrated, too. Where Does It Go? ...

Control the heat.(Cooling Systems ...)(Cartoon)
June 1, 2005... ENGINES PRODUCE HEAT. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HIGH SUMMER OR DESERT TEMPERATURES JUST ADD MORE HEAT. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOUR VEHICLE'S COOLING SYSTEM MUST GET RID OF, OR CONTROL, THAT HEAT OR ELSE... [ILLUSTRATION...

Steady at 40 mph speed limit.(M939-Series Trucks ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Drivers, the highway speed limit is still 40 mph unless your M939-series 5-ton truck has the MWO 9-2320-272-55-1 applied. TACOM Safety-of-Use Message (SOUMI 00018 (Jul 00), Resumption of Safe Operating Speeds for M939 Family of Vehicles...

Don't have a shackle fit.(Lunette-type Trailers ...)(safety chains replacement for tactical vehicles)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... When your tactical vehicles get heavier towing shackles to comply with air transport regulations, your trailer safety chains will need larger hooks to fit over them. Forget the easy way out, like putting smaller shackles on the trucks so...

Your latest TM changes right here.(SECM ...)
June 1, 2005... Fig B-8 Item 13: cabinet, storage, back, modified; NSN 5140-01-386-1408; PN TRX4113 Fig B-12 Item 11: pulley, crankshaft; NSN 3020-01-188-3884; PN 612-6 Fig B-15 Item 10: hose end, male; NSN 4730-01-446-9975; PN 118256021...

Ditch old switch.(2 1/2-Ton Trucks ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Some deuce-and-a-halfs are still using the old hydraulic fluid-operated brake light switch. That's not good. The switch can blow an electrical connector pin, dumping all your hydraulic fluid. That means no brakes! Replace the old...

Don't leave your avenger naked.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... If you walk through almost any Avenger motor pool, you'll see missile systems with no protection for the range finder and no caps for the standard vehicle mounted launcher (SVML). That leaves an Avenger naked to the elements. Blowing sand...

Don't trail on trailer PM.(Patriot Missile System ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... When the fifth wheel on the Patriot missile system's tractor and the M860 trailer kingpin get in bad shape, you can't hook them up to hit the road. If they get in too bad a shape, you think the truck and trailer are locked together, but they're...

Make your stand ... for you TU.(TOW 2 Missile System ...)(traversing unit and missile systems)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The TOW 2 missile system's traversing unit (TU) cable is too long to fit inside the TU. So the cable sticks out where it can be stepped on or crimped. If the cable is damaged, you're out thousands of dollars. Plus if you're forced to lay the TU...

How do we stop jammed magazines?(M16-Series Rifle, M4/M4A1 Carbine, M9 Pistol ...)
June 1, 2005... Dear MSG Half-Mast Is there any guidance For preventing magazines for the M16-series rifle and M4/M4A1 carbine From jamming? We've heard it's better to load no more than 28 rounds in a magazine to prevent jamming. Is that true? SGT...

Check for MWO now.(MK19 Machine Gun ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... All MK19 machine guns should have had MWO 9-1010-230-50-1 applied to them by now The MWO changed the MK19's cocking lever from a one-piece to two-piece design that will improve the gun's safety and reliability and eliminate out-of-battery...

Magnetic strainer PM.(D7G Tractor ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... 1. Remove the cover and spring, then remove the filter assembly. 2. If you're in the motor pool, steam clean the screen and magnets, and then dry 'em with pressurized air. In the field, wash the screen in MIL-PRF-680 Type III dry cleaning...

What tank is that?(22-Ton Crane ...)(mobile military cranes air brake maintenance systems)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The alcohol reservoir on the crane's air brake system is getting a bad rap. Some well-meaning operators walk around the vehicle before the day's run. While in a hurry doing the checks and services, they open the petcock for the alcohol...

Air filter reminder.(22-Ton Crane maintenance tips)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Operators, fine desert sand is everywhere. It will end up in the crane's air filter no matter what. Just remember that you don't have to replace the primary filter element every time the restriction indicator shows red. Save the cost of a...

A sand storm of PM.(Small Emplacement Excavator maintenance tips)(Particulate matter)
June 1, 2005... High winds, lots of dust, deserts of sand, hot days and cool nights. You might want to keep these conditions in mind before the next sand storm hits. Tank Drain Again It's no secret that temperature changes, like cool nights and real...

Steering wheel deal.(815F Compactor usage tips)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Operator, your mechanic buddy comes over to ask you a question while you're sitting in the cab of your compactor with the engine running. When you lean over to listen, your right arm or leg moves the steering wheel. Guess what? Your buddy...

Temporary aircraft storage.(All Aircraft ...)(pressure sensitive tapes for aircraft storage)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Mechanics, there are preventive measures to consider when you temporarily store your bird. For example, you'll need to cover open areas to block out sand, rain and such. And you'll protect canopies and windshields from blowing sand, too....

Pack for your maintenance needs.(All Aircraft ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Mechanics, before you pack up and head to the sand box on a long deployment, make sure you have everything you need for aircraft maintenance. Even the smallest item like a missing screw can cause a hiccup in your PMCS or maintenance if you...

Keep oil drains free of sand.(OH-58D ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Mechanics, the Kiowa engine deck's upper and lower oil drain tubes may be out of sight, but don't ignore cleaning the tubes at regular intervals--and more often in the desert. The tubes allow excess oil and condensation to drain off from...

Countermeasure set protection.(AN/ALQ-144A ...)(military preventive maintenance)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Black Hawk, AH-64 and Kiowa Warrior crew chiefs, don't assume all is well with your countermeasure set even though you keep it covered on the desert flight line. The cover, NSN 5865-01-109-1800, isn't enough protection by itself. A handy...

Fighting the heat.(Commo in the Summer ...)(military radios maintenance tips)
June 1, 2005... Good Moisture Put damp rags on the tops of radios to keep them cool. Make sure the rags are damp, not soaking wet. Soggy rags lead to water inside the radio. Some of you have tried letting ice melt on top of a set. Don't! That much water...

When it's hot make sure they're not!(Batteries storage and handling tips)
June 1, 2005... In hot weather, proper storage and handling procedures for commo batteries are a must. Here are some storage and handling tips every commo equipment user and repairman, whether at a large storage facility or just in a unit, should know....

Summer heat means leaks.(Generators ...)(Cartoon)
June 1, 2005... HOT WEATHER IS A PRIME TIME FOR LEAKING FUEL FROM YOUR GENERATOR. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FUEL EXPANDS WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT AND THE GENERATOR'S NOT RUNNING. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IF YOUR FUEL TANK IS MORE THAN 3/4 FULL,...

Got thirst?(Hydration System ...)(hydration systems maintenance methods)
June 1, 2005... You've heard the same story ever "since you were a green recruit: drink plenty of water, especially if you're in full gear and soldiering in the heat. Just a couple of hours out in the sun without enough water will begin to sap your energy and...

They came from beneath the sand!(Soldier Support ...)(leishmaniasis prevention through protective clothing)
June 1, 2005... Insurgents aren't the only enemies you face in Southwest Asia. You'll also be battling ticks, mites, chiggers, mosquitoes and other biting insects. One of the worst threats comes from sand flies. Bites from these little buggers spread a disease...

Better breathing in the desert.(M40-, M42-Series Masks ...)(gas masks maintenance tips)
June 1, 2005... Many soldiers have already found out how difficult the sand and heat of the deserts of Southwest Asia make it for most Army equipment to do their jobs. The desert is no picnic for your M40- or M42-series mask either. Sand can plug airways and...

More than 1,000 ways to help your unit.(Maintenance Management ...)(Military computer systems)
June 1, 2005... Dear Online Warrior, In these trying times soldiers are looking for ways to help their units. The Array Knowledge Online (AKO) Tool Developer Users Group (TDUG) Community of Practice (COP) provides more than 1,000 excellent computer files...

M2A2/M3A2 ramp armor.(Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2005... The information for Items 86 and 87 in Fig 67 (sheet 3 of 12) of TM 9-2350-284-24P-1 is reversed. Item 86, the personnel door inner plate, should be NSN 5340-01-206-3887 (PN 12334344). Item 87, the ramp door inner plate, should be NSN...

No blank firing with M249 short barrel.(Connie's Post Scripts)(machine gun usage tips)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Never fire blanks with your M249 machine gun if it's equipped with a short barrel. The increased bolt unlocking velocity can damage the receiver's inner rail. Fire blanks with the normal M249 barrel and the M249 blank firing attachment, NSN...

M88A2 track tension.(Connie's Post Scripts)(military recovery vehicle)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Once is not enough when it comes to adjusting track tension on the M88A2 recovery vehicle. In fact, the third time is the charm. Until WP 0104 00 in TM 9-2350-292-10 (Jan 02) can be updated, add the following after Step 8: "8a. Repeat Steps 1...

M16A4 rifle, M4/M4A1 carbine BUIS locking bars replaced free.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Because of manufacturing problems, locking bars for the backup iron sight (BUIS) for the M16A4 rifle and M4/M4A1 carbine are breaking. You can now get an improved locking bar and recoil screw as a free replacement. Soldiers deployed in...

Turn in broken AN/APM-305As.(Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2005... If you have an AN/APM-305A transponder set test set, NSN 6625-01-052-3881, that has stopped working, turn it in NOW. Tobyhanna Army Depot will fix it for free as part of the RESET program. Presently, they have no AN/APM-305As on hand, so if you...