The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from November 2004

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from November 2004

Don't make a seatbelt sandwich.(Stryker ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The driver's seat on your Stryker has a lot in common with a luxury sedan. It has two electronic switches--one for moving the seat forward and backward and another to move it up and down. Just be careful when lowering the seat. The seatbelt...

Beware of the bathtub blues!(Stryker ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Time to give your Stryker a bath? You'd better check the environmental cover first or you'll be singing the bathtub blues! Without the cover, water gets into the engine air intake and exhaust. When that happens, you could blow the pack. ...

Watch your step!(Stryker ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Just like any other combat vehicle, climbing into the driver's compartment of the Stryker is an exercise in caution. There are so many knobs, switches, cables and bulbs that a misplaced foot can't help but do some serious damage. That's...

Put the squeeze on sponge.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... When it comes to problems with random shorts to under-the-breech electronic components, stop wringing your hands and start wringing out the recoil fluid residue collector sponge, tankers. The sponge, which is in the tray under the gun...

Dummies for your M242.(M2/M3-Series Bradley ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Dear Half-Mast, Is there an NSN for 25mm dummy rounds for the Bradley's M242 machine gun? We can't find any. CPT C.Z. Dear Captain C.Z., Certainly there is. NSN 1305-01-356-0187 brings a pack of 30 dummy rounds. which is...

Weapons control box bad? Maybe not.(M2/M3-Series Bradley ...)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Dear Editor, Some Bradley units are replacing weapons control boxes when they don't need to. They try to select from HE to AP ammo or vice versa and nothing happens. They think they have a bad weapons control box, so they get a new one....

Don't forget these checks.(MLRS ... Comic)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... I KNOW YOU GUYS ARE IN A RUSH TO HIT THE ROAD,... ... BUT COULD YOU CHECK THREE THINGS FOR ME FIRST? I SURE WOULD APPRECIATE IT... AND YOU WILL, TOO! THEY COULD SAVE ALL OF US FROM GETTING INJURED. 1 "MAKE SURE THE STABILIZATION...

No grease means no go.(M113-Series FOV ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Crewmen, what you don't see can hurt you, especially when it comes to the idler wheel support arms on your M113-series carrier. The support arms sit out of sight behind the idler wheels and are often covered with mud, so the grease fittings...

Shut down old faithful.(AVLB ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Crewmen, when it's time to pull the back deck on your AVLB, you can avoid a geyser of hydraulic fluid by remembering to disconnect the two hydraulic lines from the holddown manifold. Forget to follow the TM procedures and the deck will...

A real time saver.(M109A6 Paladin ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Before you remove the AFCS computer unit (ACU) for repairs, mechanics, write down the offset data. It only takes a couple of minutes and it'll save you a whole bunch of minutes later. The offset data is needed to synchronize the ACU with...

Keep governor in place.(HMMWV ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Dear Half-Mast, I am currently deployed in Iraq and drive a HMMWV on a daily basis. When we come under attack, the engine governor in my vehicle will only allow me to go 55-60 mph. Trust me, that doesn't seem very fast in the middle of...

Belly up to the towbar.(M989A1 HEMAT Trailer ...)(Heavy Expanded Mobility Ammunition Trailer)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Operators, when was the last time you bellied up to the towbar and ordered a shot of grease for your HEMAT trailer's towbar pivot? Without regular lube, the old grease solidifies and loses its lubricating properties. That leads to gouging,...

A little extra care in the cold.(M149-Series, M1112 Water Trailers ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... * Place the water trailer in a shelter, especially if the temperature is below 0[degrees]F. A warm tent or other shelter that has a field range or other heater in use is best. At the very least, keep the trailer covered with canvas. *...

Help is here!(Avenger Missile System ...)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Dear Editor, We have four suggestions that will help crews keep their Avengers ready to knock down the enemy. * Check the spring that goes to the lever for the M3P machine gun's remote charger. If the spring is missing, corroded, or...

A little lube'll do it.(MLRS Launcher ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A little lube goes a long way in keeping your MLRS launcher ready, crewmen. Especially when it comes to the travel lock rollers and blast door hinges. Travel Lock Rollers Without lube, the travel lock rollers will eventually freeze up....

Latch pins & summer/winter settings.(Patriot Missile System ...)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Dear Editor, We have a couple of ideas that will save Patriot units money and trouble: * The door latch pins for components like the radar filter eventually disappear or break. In the field, just bend a coat hanger or any similar wire...

Parts for the AN/PEQ-2A.
November 1, 2004... TM 11-5855-308-12&P comes up a little short on NSNs for parts needed for the AN/PEQ-2A target pointer illuminator/aiming light. To mount the AN/PEQ-2A to a weapon that uses the rail system, such as the modular weapon system, you need the...

Store and ship GLPS dry.(gun laying and positioning system )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Make sure your gun laying and positioning system (GLPS) is completely dry before you put it in its case for storage or shipment. The contractor who repairs GLPS is receiving systems suffering water damage. The probable cause is soldiers...

Sandbag sand problems.(Small Arms ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Sand blows in the muzzle and ejection port and stops moving parts from moving. Even worse, sand mixes with lube and forms a scouring powder that grinds up parts. Eventually, parts must be replaced--or maybe the entire weapon. You can...

Confused by MK 19 and M2 TMs?(Small Arms ...)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Dear Editor, I've Found a couple of items in the -23&P TMs for the MK 19 and M2 machine guns that need to be straightened out: * On Page WP 0050-002 in the MK 19's TM 9-1010-23O-23&P it says the armorer should remove the feed pawls,...

How do you get BUIS?(M16-Series Rifle, M4/M4A1 Carbine ...)(back-up iron sights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Dear Half-Mast, I We've received the M68 optical sight; for our M16A4s and M4/M4A1s, so now we need back-up iron sights (BUIS). But we can't find any info on ordering them. Do you Know? SGS S.D.

Keep 'em running.(Compact Skid Loader ...)
November 1, 2004... THE COMPACT SCOOP LOADER COMMERCIALLY KNOWN AS THE BOBCAT[R], HAS A OT IN COMMON WITH MILITARY VEHICLES. THAT IS, IT'S GETTING HEAVY USE IN THE SANDBOX! IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THESE NSNS OR THEIR APPLICATION, VISIT THE...

Bucket PM again.(See ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Operators, you can save wear and tear on your excavator's bucket and its hydraulic system by following these parking and traveling rules. Rest the Bucket When you park your excavator, lower the bucket flat on the ground. Resting...

Need P-U-L-L?(Universal Puller Kit ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... I THINK THIS PULLER NEEDS MORE PULL! AND NEW PARTS? YOUR UNIVERSAL PULLER KIT, NSN 5180-00-313-9496, WON'T HAVE MUCH PULL IF IT'S MISSING PARTS. HERE ARE THE NSNS OR PART NUMBERS FOR THE KIT'S PARTS... outside jaws, PN 44195...

Victory belongs to the swift and the preventive.(Comic)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... IT DOES MATTER, WHETHER IT'S YOUR BOOTS, YOUR WHEELS OR TRACK. IF YOU WANT TO MOVE SAFELY, PAY ATTENTION TO THE TM INSTRUCTIONS! LATER... READING WARNING LABELS, TMS AND PS CAN HELP YOU AVOID EXPLOSIVE SITUATIONS. LATER......

APU barrier air filters work too well.(UH-60A/L ...)(Auxiliary Power Unit )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Most of the time, mechanics, when you read PS, it's always some component or item that needs a little T-L-C, extra maintenance or attention to detail. Well, this time it's changing or cleaning the APU intake barrier air filters, NSN...

Too many hits.(UH-60A/L/Q ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Dear Rotor, Our Black Hawk unit recently received AN/ARC-220 high frequency radios. After a few months, we noticed small cracks and dark blemishes on some of the LCD displays in the center control panel. This is the result of...

Sand in the helmet tracks.(HGU-56/P AIHS ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ALSE techs, the HGU-56/P aircrew integrated helmet system (AIHS) visors can get stuck quickly because desert sand clogs the guide tracks of the visors. Crews can't resist pulling on the helmet knobs to force the visors down. That can break...

Got matches?(ALSE ... Comic)
November 1, 2004... ALSE techs, before signing out any aircraft modular survival systems (AMSS) to crews, make sure they've got sufficient matches. Inspect your AMSS equipment for four boxes of wooden matches, NSN 9920-01-154-7199, in each round plastic...

Beware warning streamers.(All Aircraft ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Mechanics and crews, there are plenty of places on aircraft that require covers, plugs or something stuffed into them during maintenance or ground time. Without the red "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" streamers attached to them, however, there's a...

12 commo tips: prevent the frozen chosen.(Cold Weather ...)
November 1, 2004... 1) Carry small batteries inside your clothes to keep them warm. Reactivate cold-soaked batteries by warming them under your clothes. 2) If a radio set must be set up outside, put it in a sheltered place. A wind block, like a lean-to, helps...

Withstanding the cold.(Antennas ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Frozen ground makes it tough to drive in a guy stake. So cold-weather stakes may be just what you need to make the going a little easier. Get the GP-101 cold-weather stake with NSN 4030-00-187-5265. But you have to watch those cold-weather...

Cold hearted cables.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Extreme cold is brutal on field and telephone cable. Insulation turns stiff and brittle. It cracks and breaks open if cables are handled too roughly. Once that happens, moisture seeps into the wire conductors and causes a short. Certain...

In the cold: give me 5.(Generators ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 1 The generator set and the area around it should be free of ice and snow. Pay particular attention to the fuel tank cap and filler neck where snow and ice can become water in your fuel. 2 Keep fuel tanks full to protect against moisture,...

How to get unusual JSLIST sizes.
November 1, 2004... If you're a soldier who has slightly unusual measurements---maybe you're quite tall and slender--you may have trouble finding JSLIST (joint service lightweight integrated suit technology) garments that fit. JSLIST jackets and pants are...

One way not to stop smoking.(M56 Smoke Generator ...)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Dear Editor, Here at the Ft Leonard Wood Directorate of Logistics we've come up with a troubleshooting tip that may save units much frustration with their M56 smoke generators. If you get OVERTEMP or OVER/UNDER SPEED warning lights...

Family of space heaters ...
November 1, 2004... It's one of those freezing winter nights when the sky's swept crystal clear and the air feels like needles pricking your skin. But you don't mind. You're snug inside your tent with an arctic space heater or an H-45 space heater up and running...

Carabiner NSNs.(Briefly Noted ...)
November 1, 2004... If your unit does rock climbing or rappelling, you use carabiners. You'll find a variety of them listed in the FED LOG--that is, if you know where to look. Three separate searches will net all the carabiner NSNs you'll need. Search by item name...

Threaded ends for water hoses.(Briefly Noted ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Army doesn't stock replacement threaded ends for water hoses. But you can order them at the GSA Advantage website at https://www.gsaadvantage.gov Just do a search on "garden hose parts" for a run-down of what's available. The threaded...

Flashlight focus.(Briefly Noted ...)
November 1, 2004... If your two-cell, fixed-focus flashlight is too puny for maintenance in the dark corners, order a foot-long, water-resistant, adjustable-beam, three-cell, krypton-bulb flashlight with NSN 6230-01-247-7549. Use NSN 6240-01-441-8368 to get a...

Bedtime story.(Modular Sleeping Bag System ...)
November 1, 2004... Inspection * Rips, tears, holes or burn * Missing snap fasteners * Loss of insulation * Broken, damaged or stuck zipper Bagful of PM Tips * A wet bag is not only uncomfortable, it's ineffective. It can't keep you...

Mother knows best.(Cold Weather Clothing ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Your mother always told you to wear clean underwear. Well, just 'cause you're now out on your own is no reason to stop taking her advice. Here's the story on cleaning the polypropylene cold weather undershirt and drawers. They're part of...

Reminders to save hearing.(Hearing Decals ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE-- I SAID "IT MAKES NO--" HEY! WE'RE DOING A STORY HERE! HUH? OH, SORRY... ... I'M WEARING HEARING PROTECTION. SIGH IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE IF YOU'RE FLYING BY HELICOPTER OR ROLLING OVER THE GROUND...

View organize data.(Fed 4th of 5 Log)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... USERS AREN'T LIMITED OT JUST ONE DATA VIEW WHEN USING FED LOG'S INTERACTIVE SCREENS. THE FLIS INTERACTIVE ICON MENU BAR HAS EIGHT DATA VIEWS. Management Freight Characteristics Historical Reference Supplier ...

GLPS battery now repairable.(Connie's Post Scripts)(gun laying and positioning system)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The gun laying and positioning system (GLPS) battery, NSN 6140-01-323-3487, is now repairable with a battery cell pack, NSN 6675-01-499-8882. For battery repair instructions, contact TACOM-Rock Island's Marta Favati at DSN 793-0564/(309)...

Stryker oil level revisited.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Page 3 of PS 619 0un 04) said the Stryker's engine burns about 3 drops of oil from the vehicle's on board oil exchanger (OBOE) per hour of operation. That's wrong. The engine actually burns about 1 liter of oil every 10 hours of operation. At...

Convective space heater fuel hose.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... There's now an NSN for the convective space heater fuel hose, COB list item 7 in TM 10-4520-262-12&P. The NSN is 4520-01-508-5743. Make a note of it until the TM is updated.

"Quiet" tank sprocket.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A new, quieter sprocket is now available for your MI-series tank. Sprocket, NSN 3020-01-518-3215, has a different tooth profile that provides quieter operation than the old sprocket, NSN 3020-01-395-6775. Both the old and new sprocket can be...

New FRH for M1-series tanks.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Flameless Ration Heater)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A new, improved version of FRH is now available for MI-series tanks. The new FRH, MIL-PRF-46170, replaces the old FRH, MIL-H-46170. Both types can be mixed together and the NSNs remain the same. NSN 9150-00-111-6256 brings a quart and NSN...

FMTV GAA NSNs.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Use these NSNs to order different quantities of grease, automotive and artillery (GAA). These NSNs replace the ones shown in the -10 TMs for the 21/2 and 5-ton FMTVs, and other vehicles: Size NSN 2.25-oz tube ...

M1070 battery disconnect switch.(Connie's Post Scripts)
November 1, 2004... Batteries are known to run down on the M1070 heavy equipment transporter (HET). You mechanics can put an end to dead batteries with a disconnect switch kit that comes with NSN 5930-01-494-9353. Installation instructions come with the kit.

M1074/M1075 PLS service kits.(Connie's Post Scripts)
November 1, 2004... Use NSN 4910-0!-521-9985 to get a semi-annual service kit for the palletized loading systems (PLS). NSN 4910-01-521-9978 gets the annual service kit. Both of these kits include all mandatory replacement parts to perform the service. Make a note...

Swamper tire no-no!(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Word from the field is "Super-Swamper" tires are showing up on HMMWVs. Plain and simple, these tires are NOT approved on the HMMWV. Tests show this type of tire does not hold up to heat and puts extra wear and tear on the vehicle's suspension.