The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from May 2006

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from May 2006

The problem with perfectionism.(military equipment)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Sometimes, "the perfect is the enemy of the good." Before you grumble that aiming for perfection has to be a good thing, consider this: It's not a good thing if aiming for perfection takes time away from doing the day-to-day things that have to...

Keep the air flowing.(Stryker ...)(miltary vehicles)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... It gets downright hot in Iraq, so any air flow you can get inside your Stryker is precious. That's why you need to be careful where you store your gear on top of the vehicle. The metal rail that goes around the vent fan air intake looks...

Less is more.(M1134 ATGM Stryker ...)
May 1, 2006... Too much of a good thing isn't necessarily a good thing, crewmen. In fact, sometimes Jess is more. That's especially true for the improved target acquisition system (ITAS) on your anti-tank guided missile Stryker. In most cases, the ITAS...

Be a gun tube detective.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Before disposing of the gun tube oil an M1-series tank, it's important to do a little investigative work first. Worn-out gun tubes may have depleted uranium (DU) residue on their interior surfaces. So check the muzzle end of the tube with...

Bored with evacuator service?(M1-Series Tanks)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Crewmen, after firing the main gun on your tank, don't forget to service the bore evacuator. It's a required after-operation PMCS check in your -10 TMs. A lack of service causes excessive pitting. That results in a gun tube that has to be...

Clean is not everything.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Crewmen, a nice clean tank is the whole point behind a trip to the wash rack. The last thing you want is to cause any damage. That's why it's vitally important that you follow all the steps in the cleaning and lubrication PMCS section of...

Parts manual perplexity.(tanks)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Baffled by mismatching part numbers in your tank's parts manual? Before you start pulling hair, take a look in the back of the manual for the supplemental cross-reference index. During a routine TM change, the cross-reference index is not...

Two-piece seat brings relief.(M88A1 Recovery Vehicle ...)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Dear MSG Half-Mast, The driver's and mechanic's seats, NSN 2540-00-657-9725, on our M88A1 come as a one-piece assembly--a metal seat; with the fabric cushion glued to it. That's fine until the cushion wears out. Then you either have...

How many drips?(M109A6 Paladin ...)(howitzers)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Just because you've spotted oil leaking from the vent holes on your Paladin's elevation cylinder doesn't mean you've got a problem, crewmen. When the cannon is elevated and depressed, it's normal to see several drops of oil coming from the...

ABS light on and off.(M939-Series Trucks ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Operators, the ABS light on the 5-tonner's dashboard does two things: It lets you know the anti-lock braking system is working, and when it's not. Simply put, the light comes on for about three seconds at startup. Then, it goes off when...

Parking brake check.(2 1/2-ton M35A2-Series Trucks ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Drivers, to make sure the parking brake can hold your truck, test it like so: 1. Idle engine at 800-850 rpm 2. Set parking brake 3. Shift transfer into LOW 4. Shift transmission into 2d gear, not 5th as before 5. Slowly...

Rub out rubbing problem.(M1070 HET ...)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Dear Editor, I've Found a common problem while inspecting M1070 HET tractors here in Qatar. It seems the transmission cooler hoses at the bottom of the radiator are getting rubbed by a CTIS hose just above the No. 1 differential....

Improved 3-point seatbelt NSNs.(HMMWVs ...)
May 1, 2006... Dear Half-Mast, Our motorpool is filled with HMMWVs. What is the NSN for the vehicle's improved 3-point seatbelt assembly? SSG R.S. Dear Staff Sergeant R.S., Use NSN 2540-01-495-0817 to get the 3-point seatbelt assembly for...

Cover launcher container.(Hellfire Missile System ...)
May 1, 2006... The containers that Hellfire missile launchers are shipped in can't totally protect the launchers in storage without your help. If the containers are left sitting outside on the ground with no covering, water can seep inside them and mix...

Stop starting and ... unlocking stops.(MITAS ...)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Dear Editor, We have a couple of suggestions that will help MITAS (modified improved target acquisition system) crews avoid starting and unlocking problems. * Remember the correct; starting procedure For the MITAS: Turn on the BPS...

Connect weapon shield to mount.(Machine Gun Mounts ...)
May 1, 2006... The weapon shield used with the different machine gun mounts has a problem--the shield is not connected to the mount. So when you swing the machine gun around, it bangs into the shield, which is not good for the machine gun or shield....

Our new ring mount won't turn!(Ring Mount ...)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Dear Half-Mast, We just got new M66 ring mounts, NSN 1005-00-701-2810, for our LMTV trucks. We've installed them, but we can't get them to rotate freely. There were no instructions that came with them. Help! CPT N.D. Dear CPT...

Assembling buffer body with extra slot.(M2 Machine Gun ... Comic)(Brief article)(Cartoon)
May 1, 2006... MORE THAN 800 BARREL BUFFER BODY ASSEMBLIES FOR THE M2 MACHINE GUN HAVE BEEN FIELDED THAT HAVE A SLOT ON BOTH SIDES INSTEAD OF ON JUST ONE SIDE. THE EXTRA SLOT DOESN'T HURT THE OPERATION OR SAFETY OF THE M2, BUT IT DOES MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO...

Firing insurance.(MK19 Machine Gun ...)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Dear Editor, Through our work supporting the Special Forces at Ft Lewis, we've come up with two tips to keep MK19s firing happily: * Make sure you pull the bolt all the way back. It requires a bit of muscle and both hands. If you don't...

Check magazine well, too.(M249 Machine Gun ...)
May 1, 2006... Dear Editor, Every good M249 gunner knows at the end of firing you need to check if a round is left in the M249's chamber to prevent an accidental firing. To do that, you lock the bolt back, put the M249 on SAFE, raise the feed cover and...

Deconning made easy.(M12 Decon)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Dear Editor, We've come up with three suggestions at the U.S. Army Chemical School to make deconning with the M12 decon easier: * With the new diesel M12 you have to make sure to turn on the fuel valve before startup. Otherwise, the...

Check for wrong socket set.(SECM ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Some SECMs (shop equipment, contact maintenance) were fielded with a standard length 3/8-in drive metric socket set that's wrong. They should have, in Drawer CB4, a 3/8-in drive metric deep socket set (8mm through 19mm), which has deeper...

New ready welder available.
May 1, 2006... THE NEWEST VERSION OF READY WELDER IS NOW AVAILABLE WITH NSN 5130-01-522-1379. THE READY WELDER IS A COMPACT, BATTERY-POWERED WELDING SYSTEM THAT CAN EASILY BE TAKEN TO THE FIELD FOR WELDING JOBS. IT PUTS OUT UP TO 350 AMPS OF WELDING...

Cylinder rod saver.(RT 240 RTCH ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... There are several yards of cylinder rod exposed to the elements. That means any grit or sand on the rods will scrape or cut seals when the rod is extended or retracted. Damaged seals lead to fluid leaks, which lead to NMC equipment. If you find...

Jack and the PM beanstalk.(Comic)(Cover story)(Cartoon)
May 1, 2006... JACK! OH, JA-AAACK! COMING, MOTHER! WHAT IS IT, MOTHER? YOU DIDN'T LUBRICATE THE MILKING MACHINE, DID YOU? HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PM? NOW THE MACHINE'S BROKEN AND WE DON'T HAVE MONEY TO...

Helmet liner not safe for use.(HGU-56/P)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Aircrews and ALSE shops, make no mistake about it. The Oregon Zetaliner you got through the USAARL helmet problem fit program for your aircrew integrated helmet system (AIHS) is not authorized. The Army has not approved the Zetaliner for...

Storing AMSS kit for missions.(UH-60A/L/HH-60L ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The problem has been that once the amino boxes for the M-60 machine gun are secured in the cabin, there's no place to secure the AMSS because the front of the Black Hawk cabin floor doesn't have tiedown rings. To allow for changing mission...

Keep MMS lookin' up.(OH-58D ...)(military helicopters)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Mechanics, is your Kiowa Warrior's mast-mounted sight (MMS) lettin' in too much water when it rains? If the answer is yes, the problem could be that the seal between the upper and lower shrouds of the MMS is not seated correctly. The...

Watch where you're goin'.(OH-58D ...)(military aircraft)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Pilots, re-arming the Hellfire or rocket launcher on your Kiowa Warrior is simple. But pay attention while walking around the bird. If you duck under the tail boom to go from one side to the other, stay clear of the identification friend or...

RF radiation leakage report.(Satellite Communications Terminals ...)
May 1, 2006... In the Fall of 2005, CECOM gave you a heads-up in Ground Precautionary Message (GPM) 2005-005 about possible radio frequency radiation leakage in satellite communications terminals. The leakage was a significant health hazard to soldiers...

Operating below E-level.(SINCGARS ...)(military radios)
May 1, 2006... "It Won't Maintain a Fill" Maintainers wish they had a nickel for every time they've heard the phrase, "My SINCGARS won't maintain a fill." They would all be retired and living la vida dulce in the Caribbean. When a SINCGARS won't...

Keep your software up-to-date.(AN/PSN-13 DAGR ...)
May 1, 2006... If you've got the AN/PSN-13 defense advanced GPS receiver (DAGR), make sure it's programmed with the right software for safety. The AN/PSN-13A does not need reprogramming. It will display software version 984-3006-001. If you're not sure which...

Bright not right for ACU.(Comic)(Cartoon)
May 1, 2006... IN A STORY ABOUT THE ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM (ACU) IN PS 637, WE ADVISED YOU TO WASH THE ACU IN A MILD DETERGENT THAT DOES NOT HAVE OPTICAL BRIGHTENERS. THE CARE LABEL ON THE ACU SAYS THE SAME THING. BUT NOWHERE--NOT EVEN IN THE CARE...

Storage bin story.(Soldier Support ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... If you deal with inventories of repair parts or bench stock, you know the importance of good storage systems. They help organize your work area and expand supply space. By making it easier to stock and retrieve parts, they can spell the...

Find them on-line.(Specs and Standards ...)(military equipment)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... LOOKING FOR SPECIFICATIONS FOR STANDARDS? HEAD STRAIGHT FOR THE DEFENSE STANDARDIZATION PROGRAM (DSP) WEBSITE: http://www.dsp.dla.mil THERE YOU'LL FIND DSP DOCUMENTS IN PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT (PDF), THESE DOCUMENTS INCLUDE... * DoD...

It's only fitting.(Advanced Combat Helmet ...)
May 1, 2006... Word from the battlegrounds of Iraq and Afghanistan is that some soldiers are not wearing the new Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) correctly. Others are wearing an ACH that fits poorly. These problems stem from any number of reasons: * A...

Loading ETMs and IETMs on MSDs.(Publications ...)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Dear Editor: Your article on maintaining the MSD (maintenance support; device) computers is good. We've found the MSD has lots of room to store data. We have done this for two years and find that our mechanics have more information at...

Driver's Badge requirements change.(Awards ...)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Dear Half-Mast: I need some help in clarifying the requirements for the Driver's Badge Found in Para 8-28d(2) AR 600-8-22 (Feb 95). It states the driver must: Occupy a duty position with the title of driver or assistant driver.... Can...

Rubber tie-down straps.(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... RUBBER TIE-DOWN STRAPS Need help holding loose gear in place on your vehicle? Rubber tie-down straps are just the ticket. Order from this list: NSN 5340- Size Stretch (inches) (inches) ...

Mossberg shotgun stud NSN is wrong!(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... If you need the Mossberg shotgun's front swivel stud, don't order the NSN listed as Item 4 in Fig 0038 in TM 9-1005-338-13&P. It's wrong. Order NSN 1005-01-526-3298.

Keep M9 ACE vents open.(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... The engine and radiator on an M9 ACE need lots of air to keep things running cool. So never lay cargo nets, duffle bags or ALICE packs on the engine intake grilles. A covered screen causes the engine and transmission to overheat.

Commo shelter lighting.(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... Need the 24-inch fluorescent lamp that lights the AN/TRC-173 radio terminal set and the AN/TRC-174 radio repeater set? Order a box of 30 lamps with NSN 6240-00-152-2996. Get a box of ten ballasts for this lamp with NSN 6250-00-299-2884. Get a...

ACH front bracket kit is class IX.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The front bracket kit, NSN 5340-01-509-1467, for your advanced combat helmet (ACH) includes a bracket with a threaded post and a screw for mounting it to your helmet. The bracket is used to attach night vision goggles to the ACH. But there's a...

Radio reminder decal.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Forgetting to switch off the radio before starting or stopping your vehicle engine allows a power surge that can zap the commo. So turn off the radio's power knob before the engine is turned on or off. Need a reminder? Order a caution decal,...

H-60/PT handset push-to-talk switch cover.(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... The H-60/PT handset, NSN 5965-00-669-9145, used on the TA-312/PT telephone is an expendable item. But you can make it a little less expendable by replacing a cracked or torn push-to-talk switch rubber cover. Order it with NSN 5930-00-173-8358.

Corrosion TMs superseded.(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... Aircraft mechanics, if you use the NAVAIR 01-1A-509-1 and -2 multi-service corrosion TMs, you also need the latest copies of TM 1-1500-344-23-1 and -23-2, Cleaning and Corrosion Control (01 March 2005). Anything older has been superseded.

M1114 HMMWV Cooper seat dangerous.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Cooper seat/restraint system sold by Black Mountain Industries is dangerous because it doesn't let the gunner quickly drop inside the HMMWV in case of a rollover. Stop buying it! If you have one, replace it with the original mesh seat, NSN...

Chinook flight control closet test.(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... We told you in PS 637 (Dec 05) to do the integrated lower control actuator (ILCA) jam simulation test prior to the first flight of each day. That's been changed. It's now done prior to the first flight every 30 days.

Turn in T700 turbine modules.(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... Mechanics, T700 power turbine modules, NSN 2840-01-245-6002, are in short supply. Turn in all unserviceable modules ASAP through normal retrograde channels to maintain RECAP production lines at Corpus Christi Army Depot. This will prevent a...

Black hawk T700 engines needed!(Connie's Post Scripts)
May 1, 2006... Mechanics, T700 engines are in short supply! But you can help. Turn in all unserviceable engines right away. And then the supply system can get them repaired and have serviceable engines on hand to keep your aircraft mission ready. Ship...