The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from June 2008

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from June 2008

Are you ready, willing and able?(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When asked to serve the cause of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of troops have replied, "We're ready and willing!" But there's another question that must be answered: Are you able? That's a...

Stay safe with stay device.(Stryker ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whenever you have the hatch open to the 10[degrees] or 25[degrees] position, you're supposed to engage the stay device. The stay device will keep the hatch from crashing down on your head if the hatch spring fails....

Channel away oil messes.(Stryker ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No mechanic looks forward to draining the Stryker's wheel hubs. Because as soon as you remove the drain plug, oil pours out all over the hub, tire and ground. It's not only a big mess, but an environmental...

Use the right exercise equipment.(M1-Series Tanks ...)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Exercising the recoil of your tank's main gun is a semi-annual requirement, crewmen. But before it's done, you need to know about a change to TB 9-1000-234-13, Exercising of Recoil Mechanisms and Equilibrators. ...

A sweet solution to loose honeycomb screws.(M992A2 Ammo Carrier ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That old enemy, vibration, is rearing its ugly head again, mechanics. This time it's affecting the honeycomb channel restraint bar screws in the M992A2 ammo carrier. During operation, the screws, NSN...

PM: a recipe for success.(MLRS Carrier ...)(preventive maintenance)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Track Deflectors Before moving out, take a look at the track deflectors. They protect the roadwheel arms from track slap. If the bolts are loose, the deflector can get caught in the track and break off. Tell...

Easy with ethernet cables.(MLRS, HIMARS ...)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, The ethernet cables transmit the computer information that's so vital for accurate firing by the MLRS and HIMARS. But the cables themselves are one of the most fragile items on the system and one...

Where do you get half-doors?(Avenger Missile System ...)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, We have looked and looked but we can't find an NSN for the half-doors used on the Avenger's HMMWV. Can you help? CW4 D. W. Dear Chief D.W., Certainly. The right-side door comes with...

The power of positive PM.(Sentinel Radar System ...)(preventive maintenance)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PM can have a powerful effect on your Sentinel's ability to alert you to the enemy. Here's how you can tap in to the power of positive PM: PMCS To do a PMCS that gives you an accurate diagnosis of your...

Can your vehicle's cooling system pass the test?(ST255 Radiator Testing Kit ...)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Using the ST255 radiator testing kit, NSN 4910-00-728-8227, allows you to test the radiator cap and your vehicle's entire cooling system. The kit is listed in TM 750-254, Cooling Systems: Tactical Vehicles. The...

Motor pool wheel lift.(Wheeled V)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, I'm looking for the NSN for the wheel lift that removes wheels from trucks or semitrailers. It has hydraulics, and I've seen it used on M939-series trucks before in the motor pool. Can you help...

CTIS wheel info.(FMTV ...)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Don't be tempted to manually add air to any tire on the vehicle while operating the central tire inflation system (CTIS). You can mess up the CTIS' electronic control unit (ECU). Then your mechanic will have to...

NMC standards temporarily change for underbody.(Up-Armored HMMWVs ...)(not fully mission capable )(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Having trouble with the underbody attachments failing on your M1114, M1116 or M1145 up-armored HMMWV? You're not alone. This growing problem has led TACOM LCMC to buy improved, extreme duty underbody retainer...

Gimme a break for my brakes!(M1112 Water Trailer ...)(Table)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, Getting brake parts for our unit's M1112 water trailers has been a big task because TM 9-2330-397-14&P isn't up-to-date. Some part numbers in the TM don't have NSNs, and some parts we order end...

Barrel doesn't need extra help.(MK 19 Machine Gun ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you screw in the barrel the correct way, you don't need extra help keeping the barrel tight. The spin of the rounds going through the barrel will actually help keep it tight because the spin twists the barrel...

No click, no go.(M68 Reflex Sight ...)(Cartoon)
June 1, 2008... STOP TURNING MY KNOB ALREADY. ITS LOOSE AND NEEDS TIGHTENING... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IF YOU HAVE TO TURN AND TURN THE ON/OFF KNOB ON YOUR M68 REFLEX SIGHT TO TURN IT OFF OR ON, YOU'VE GOT A LOOSE KNOB. ALL THAT TURNING...

UTMs not approved ... yet.(Small Arms ...)(ultimate training munition)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The Army is working on providing more realistic training with the ultimate training munition (UTM), which is used with the close combat mission capability kit (CCMCK). UTMs are paint-filled rounds that can be...

Milking is deadly.(Grenades ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What is milking a grenade? Milking is the unintentional loosening of your grip on the grenade safety lever before you throw the grenade. Milking lets the striker hit the primer, which initiates the fuze delay element...

Got the right gauge?(M2 Gauges ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A unit recently had an M2 machine gun blow up during firing. At first, the problem appeared to be someone not following the correct headspace and timing procedure. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But that wasn't it!...

What keeps 'em going?(Cartoon)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HI, ANDREW! WELCOME BACK. I HEARD YOU WERE ON LEAVE. NEED A HAIRCUT? JUST THOUGHT I'D STOP BY TO SAY HI AND GET A QUICK CLEAN-UP CUT. HOW'S EVERYONE DOING? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FINE... JUST...

Aeromechanics can help with tools.(All Aircraft ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Aeromechanics Division of the Army Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED) website has a wide range of tools to help aviators and mechanics with aviation maintenance on AH-64s, CH-47s, OH-58s, UH-1s and UH-60s....

New army aircrew combat uniform comes in all sizes.(Clothing ...)(Table)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] People come in different sizes and shapes. So does clothing. If you need the new Army aircrew combat uniform (A2CU) coat and trousers, one size doesn't fit all. To get the right size, order from this list. The...

Heads up on helmet care.(ALSE ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TACOM-Rock Island wants you to know that if you're tempted to put unauthorized items on your integrated helmet and display sight system (IHADSS) helmet, don't! The only authorized adhesive-backed items that can...

More knives, more choices.(Air Warrior ...)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ASEK system, NSN 1095-01-530-0833 ASEK only, NSN 1095-01-530-0832 [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] ASEK scabbard, NSN 1095-01-530-0827 ASEK strap cutter, NSN 1095-01-530-0826 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Countermeasure set too hot to clean.(ALQ-144A/C ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, the countermeasure set is a hot piece of equipment when it's turned on. When it's off, the set stays hot for a while, so you'll have to wait until it cools before putting on the cover. Now here's...

The headset for the HMWWV!(Bose ITH ...)(Cartoon)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IF YOU'RE TRAVELING IN AN UP-ARMORED M1114 HMWWV OR OTHER WHEELED TACTICAL VEHICLE WITHOUT HEARING PROTECTION, YOU ARE DAMAGING YOUR HEARING! YOU MUST WEAR HEARING PROTECTION! OF COURSE, WEARING SOME HEARING...

Supplying the power to SWA.(PP-8564/GRC ...)(Cartoon)
June 1, 2008... THERE'S A NEW GENERAL PURPOSE DC POWER SUPPLY AVAILABLE THAT WILL MAKE SUPPLYING POWER IN SWA A BIT SWEETER. THAT POWER SUPPLY IS THE PP-8564/GRC, NSN 6130-01-552-8132. USE IT IN PLACE OF POWER SUPPLY PP-4763A, NSN 6130-00-113-9768. ...

Installation kits at your fingertips.(SINCGARS ...)(Cartoon)
June 1, 2008... THERE ARE MORE THAN 200 INSTALLATION KITS FOR INSTALLING SINCGARS IN WHEELED AND TRACKED VEHICLES. EACH KIT HAS ITS OWN COMPONENTS LISTED IN ITS OWN TB. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THERE ARE FOUR INSTALLATION KITS USED IN HMMWVS. HERE...

Valuable valve checks.(M12A1 Decon ...)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, Any M12A1 decon that sees much deconning will almost always have trouble with Valves 1 and 4. Both valves are turned on and off many times and that causes their parts to wear out. PMCS usually...

Are dots OK?(ICAM ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, We have been taught that the dots on our ICAM (improved chemical agent monitor) are supposed to disappear from the display once the WAIT light goes off. But with some of our ICAMs, the dots don't...

Writing when it's wet.(Personal Gear ...)(Cartoon)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOU NEED OUTDOOR WRITING PRODUCTS THAT RESIST MOISTURE. ONE SUCH LINE OF PRODUCTS IS CALLED RITE IN THE RAIN. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THEY MAKE FIELD BOOKS, NOTEBOOKS AND COPIER PAPER THAT STAND UP TO ALL...

AOAP can help.(Cartoon)
June 1, 2008... THE ARMY OIL ANALYSIS PROGRAM--AOAP--SERVES YOU BY DETECTING IMPENDING EQUIPMENT COMPONENT FAILURES BEFORE A COMPLETE FAILURE OCCURS. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE OIL ANALYSIS BENEFITS YOU BY IMPROVING OPERATIONAL READINESS, PROMOTING...

A man's reach should exceed his grasp.(Extension Cords ...)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sometimes you have to use power tools many feet away from an electrical outlet. You need to extend your reach, so it makes sense to stock a few extension cords in a variety of lengths. You have four basic options...

Misplaced strap.(M9 ACE ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The lines are held in place by a retaining strap that keeps them snug against the wall. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Straps get misplaced when a hydraulic line is repaired, or when the engine is removed by...

Two fingers will do.(M9 ACE ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. Start the engine to keep the suspension charged. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2. Shift to SPRUNG mode and reverse (R1). Drive at max speed for about 50 feet on a hard, level surface. 3. Shift into neutral...

HAZMAT shipments need approvals.
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] * Competent Authority Approvals (CAA). CAAs are used on OCONUS HAZMAT shipments when the 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) specifies the packaging must comply with the shipper's national CAA, when the package...

Tap saves many NVG lenses.(SMART ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Too many soldiers aren't using their sacrificial windows or light interference filters on the AN/PVS-7B and other night vision goggles. That results in a lot of damaged mount threads. Richard Hup and his...

Correct AN/PEQ-15 NSN.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2008... We steered you wrong on page 18 of PS 661 (DEC 07) on the NSN for the new AN/PEQ-15 target pointer. The correct NSN is 5855-01-534-5931. The POC for questions about the AN/PEQ-15 has changed. Now contact at DSN 793-1674, (309) 782-1674, or...

Mask Canister Website correction.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2008... The website address for checking CBRN equipment shelf life that we gave you on Page 60 in PS 665 (Apr 08) was wrong. It should be https://jacks.jpeocbd.osd.mil/

AFS replaces GVO, BVO boots.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)(alternative footwear solution, green vinyl overshoe, black vinyl overshoe )(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The alternative footwear solution (AFS) is replacing the green vinyl overshoe (GVO) and black vinyl overshoe (BVO) as the chemical protective boot. The AFS is a lightweight chemical and biological agent protective overboot made of compounded...

M939-series truck wheel seals.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2008... There's a new NSN and part number for the plain encased seal used on your M939-series truck front and rear wheel assemblies. It's shown as Item 19 in Fig 293 and Item 13 in Fig 295 of TM 9-2320-27224P-1. Update your TM using NSN 5330-00740-9550...

New screw for M16 rifle rail.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The socket head cap socket screw, NSN 5305-01-453-2725, that holds the upper rail to the M16A4 rifle and the M4/M4A1 carbine has been replaced with an improved slotted head screw, NSN 5305-01-540-4805. Unlike the old screw, the new one can be...

AoA grader wheel assembly.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2008... User NSN 2530-01-549-6588 to get the wheel assembly for the 130G road grader with add-on-armor (AoA). The assembly includes a new 16-ply rated tire that can handle the added weight of the armor. Make a note until the NSN is added to Fig 186 of...

HYEX BII update.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)(Table)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Make a note of these NSNs until they are updated in the BII list on Pages B-3 and B-4 of Tm 5-3805-280-10: Item Name NSN 3 Wrench, 3-in 5120-01-376-5124 7 Pliers, vise grips ...

Need Hellfire help? Call JAMS.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)(Joint Attack Munition Systems)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... If you fire Hellfire missiles, you need to remember the JAMS War Room next time you get in a jam. JAMS stands for Joint Attack Munition Systems and their war room has a 24/7 hotline to help you with Hellfire problems. Contact JAMS War Room at...

WD CARC Spot Painting TB.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The newly revised TB 43-0242, WD CARC Spot Painting (Dec 07), is now available. The TB covers the how, when and where of spot painting with the new water dispersible CARC. It also includes NSNs for new WD CARC products such as aerosol sprays...

MRAP training at Red River Army Depot.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2008... Need mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle driver's and maintenance training? Get it at Red River Army Depot through MRAP University. This training is available for all services, LARs, RRAD maintenance personnel, LOGCOM and OEM field...

LBS replaces M30 boresight.(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2008... When it's time to replace the M30 boresight for your rifles or machine guns, don't order another M30. The laser bore light system (LBS), NSN 5860-01-471-2091, replaces the M30 and costs $400 less. The LBS has a LIN of FA6000.

One left out!(PROUDLY PRESENTS Connie's Post Scripts)
June 1, 2008... We blew it on the email address of in our article about FLIR parts on Pages 40 and 41 of PS 665. We left a 1 out! Anthony's email is: @us.army.mil