The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from November 2006

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from November 2006

Don't believe lube rumors.
November 1, 2006... The rumor mill is always generating claims about some miracle lube that does a better job on your weapon or vehicle than anything the Army has approved. And, of course, in time of war the rumor mill shifts into high gear. As a result,...

You can't hit what you can't see.(Stryker ...)(remote weapons station sight lenses)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Stryker's remote weapons station (RWS) can be an awesome weapon. But if you don't take good care of the visual imaging module (day sight) and thermal imaging module (night sight), the RWS quickly goes from awesome to awful. Direct...

Exercise the right way.(MI-Series Tanks ...)(gun mount exerciser)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... If you exercise the wrong way during PT, you're looking at a possible injury. So why should things be any different when you exercise your tank's 120mm gun? The gun mount exerciser (GME), NSN 4933-01-346-1791, was designed to exercise both...

Shoot down GPS leaks.(M1-Series Tanks ...)
November 1, 2006... Mechanics, leaks are the price you pay for installing the gunner's primary sight (GPS) body the wrong way on an M1-series tank. Two mistakes you can avoid are sloppy cleanup before installing the GPS body and using the wrong sealant. ...

GPS needs a cover-up.(M1-series Tanks ...)
November 1, 2006... Mechanics, when you remove the thermal receiver unit (TRU) from the gunner's primary sight (GPS) on an MIseries tank, don't think the job is finished. It's very important that you cover the opening in the GPS to avoid getting sand, dirt...

Open wide and say ouch!(M2A2/M2A2, ODS Bradleys ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... During the Bradley's semiannual TOW verification, the team has to open the flush catch and doorstop on both sides of the ballistic sight cover assembly (doghouse). That lets them open the ballistic doors wide enough to mount their equipment to...

M242 firing help in the desert.(M2/M3-Series Bradley)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Dear Editor, Sand is a Killer for your Bradley's M242 automatic gun. If too much sand builds up in the receiver, the bolt has trouble functioning and you get misfires. We found during our tour in Southwest Asia that taping over the...

Deck sling needs adjustment.(M88A2 Recovery Vehicle ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Mechanics, if you've got a damaged oil fill tube or tray on your M88A2 recovery vehicle, chances ate you were a little sloppy when removing of installing the engine deck. If you're not careful or use the wrong lifting equipment, the engine...

Snub the rub!(M109A6 Paladin ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Crewmen, after you've cleaned the segment board on your Paladin, you're supposed to remove the green pad from the cleaning block. If you leave the pad in place, dirt and other debris begin building up. The pad eventually makes contact with...

Tire chains usage.(Wheeled Vehicles ...)
November 1, 2006... Tire chains improve traction on ice and packed snow, but only if they are installed properly and cleaned regularly. Chains that are packed with ice will lose their effectiveness--just like we would! It's important to use the right size and...

Swamper tires are a no-go!(HMMWVs ...)
November 1, 2006... The phrase "anything goes" doesn't apply to tire choices for your HMMWV. Word from the field is that Super Swamper tires are still showing up on HMMWVs. Don't use Swamper tires on your HMMWV, no matter how good you think they are! Swampers...

Air pre-cleaner kits.(HMMWVs ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... AHMMWV's engine needs clean air to run smoothly, especially in the desert. So when the air filter element gets clogged, the vehicle runs rough, uses more fuel and loses power. You can help stop clogged filter elements on the following...

Shutting your doors.(FMTV ...)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... Dear Editor, If you have trouble shutting your FMTV doors, here's something to check. There are three metric bolts that hold the door latch on to the inner side of the doors. Thee bolts work loose after a while, and then they Fall...

Bearing can't bear lube loss.(HEMTT ...)
November 1, 2006... Bearings dry up and wear out when they don't get grease regularly. That'll cost your unit a bundle, so make sure the turntable bearing on your HEMTT crane stays good 'n' greasy. Every six months or 250 operating hours, whichever comes...

How many tire chains?(HEMTT ...)
November 1, 2006... Dear Half-Mast, The CAUTION on Page 2-385 of TM 9-2320-279-10-1 (Nov 86 w/ Ch 10) says when using tire chains on your HEMTT, you must; put; chains on all four rear wheels. However, Page 9 of TM 9-2320-279-10-HR only authorizes one set;...

M35A2-series truck tire pressure.(Briefly Speaking ...)
November 1, 2006... The tire pressure for 11.00R20 radial tires on 2 1/2-ton trucks isn't in TM 9-2320-361-10. The correct pressure in EIR Digest, TB 43-0001-39-1 (June 94), is 50 psi highway and 25 psi crosscountry and in mud, sand, and snow.

Semitrailer safety ladder.(Briefly Speaking ...)
November 1, 2006... Order NSN 2541-01-531-4064 to get a safety ladder assembly (swing-down step) for M871/ A1/A2/A3 22 1/2-ton semitrailers. This assembly allows you to climb safely onto the deck. You may require a mounting bracket, NSN 2590-01-532-8937, for some...

M172A1 landing leg.(Briefly Speaking ...)
November 1, 2006... Use NSN 2590-01-508-5346 to get a set of landing legs (right and left) for the 25-ton low-bed semitrailer. This NSN replaces the parts info shown in Figs 23 (Items 1-32) and 24 (Items 1-39) of TM 9-2330-211-14&P. Installation instructions come...

Cab insulation adhesive.(Briefly Speaking ...)
November 1, 2006... Order NSN 8040-01-519-3385 to get a 10.3-oz tube of adhesive. Use this adhesive to keep the cab insulation in place on the PLS, HET, HEMTF and other tactical vehicles.

PLS trailer latch assembly.(Briefly Speaking ...)
November 1, 2006... Need to replace the latch assembly on the M1076 PLS trailer's drawbar safety chain hook? Order it with NSN 2540-01-068-7567. Then make a note until the NSN can be added to Item 4 in Fig 32 of TM 9-2330-385-24P.

PLS CTIS hose assembly.(Briefly Speaking ...)
November 1, 2006... Use NSN 4720-01-528-3509 to get a CTIS hose assembly for the palletized loading system (PLS). The assembly includes Items 18, 19 and 20 in Fig 270 of TM 9-2320-364-24P.

Putting the brakes on brake failure.(Firefinder Radar ...)
November 1, 2006... If an AN/TPQ-36(V)7 or AN/TPQ-37(V)8 Firefinder has been sitting for a long time, you must check its trailer brakes and towing components before you hit the road. Several idle Firefinders have suffered brake failure or towing problems when they...

Doing the slew-to-cue.(Avenger Missile System ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... 1. From the initial battle display screen (BDS) on crew chief air situation display, page down to TIME, then page to the right until WEAPON TEST is highlighted. Push ENTER on the keypad. 2. The WEAPON TEST page should display. Highlight...

New stuff for mortars.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Hearing Protection Because a mortar makes so much noise during firing, mortar crews are required to use double hearing protection. To make it easier to meet the protection requirement, every mortar crewmember is now authorized an "earmuff'...

Update weapons card on Internet.(DA Form 2408-4 ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Save the postage you used to use to mail in updates, to DA Form 24084, Weapons Record Data Card. The Army wants those updates on rounds fired from mortars, artillery, and armor sent in through the Army Electronic Product Support (AEPS) website,...

Lubrication prevents axle damage.(ATLAS and 6K VRFL ...)(variable reach forklifts)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Want less down time due to axle trouble on your ATLAS and 6K variable reach forklifts? Then remember that lubrication is the key to longer lasting axles. Lack of lubrication results in the bushings, steering knuckle bearings and joints...

Coolant tank cooker!(DEUCE ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... "It's a hot one today!" No doubt you've heard that said more than once, especially if you're stationed in Iraq. Word from the field is the excavator's coolant (purge) tank is deteriorating from exposure to the elements. The tank...

Fill line reminder.(D7G Tractor ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Before you hop in the newly-painted dozer cab for the day's run, eyeball the back of the fuel tank. Make sure there's a stenciled "fill line" on the tank. It's a quick reminder not to overfill the tank. Diesel fuel that spills outside a...

Horse opera pictures presents: Rio Loco: a Western Saga of loss and redemption.(Comic)(Cartoon)
November 1, 2006... REX STERLING, King of the PM Cowboys [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SWEET NELL MCGILLACUTTY, the Virtuous Schoolmarm [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SCRATCHY BUTTES, the Trusty Sidekick [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] and featuring: ...

Better launching through PM.(M260/M261 Rocket Launchers ...)(Preventive Maintenance)
November 1, 2006... Clean and lube thoroughly after firing. Just running the bore brush through the rocket tubes is not enough. Before doing any cleaning, make sure the aft igniter arms are in the LOAD/UNLOAD positions and the side firing contacts are recessed...

Swashplate link mix-up.(UH-60 Series ...)(Black Hawk maintenance)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Mechanics, looks can be deceiving when you're dealing with the swashplate link on a Black Hawk. Before you adjust the flight controls, inspect the forward and aft swashplate links to make sure they're installed correctly. Para 11-4-96 or...

Weight and balance.(All Aircraft ...)
November 1, 2006... LISTEN UP UNIT WEIGHT AND BALANCE TECHNICIANS. ARE YOU LOST... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... WHILE TRYING TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THE AUTOMATED WEIGHT AND BALANCE SYSTEM (AWBS)? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... EDITING YOUR CHART AS, OR...

Modification awareness.(18K BTU MPI ECU ...)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... Dear Editor, There's a modification for some 18K BTU environmental control units (ECU), NSN 4120-01-327-1316, so they can work, properly in signal shelters. The modification was made to the thermistor because oF poor ductwork in those...

Waiting for parts? Read this!(LRAS3 AN/TAS-8 ...)
November 1, 2006... Dear Editor, I manage spare parts for the long range advanced scout surveillance system (LRAS3) infrared night; vision sight; (AN/TAS-8) and I am fighting an uphill battle trying to get unserviceable parts turned in for repair. Our...

Want an MX-306 canvas carrier?
November 1, 2006... NSN 6145-01-155-4257 BRINGS THE MIX-306 CANVAS CARRIER AND ONE KILOMETER OF WD-1A/TT WIRE. THE CANVAS CARRIER IS NOT AVAILABLE AS A SEPARATE ITEM AND IS NO LONGER NEEDED ONCE THE WIRE IS DISPENSED. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

TQG voltage regulator bargain.(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... Dear Editor, When replacing a voltage regulator on 60-Hz A-model 15-, 30-, and 60-KW tactical quiet generators (TQGs), it's cheaper--by hundreds of dollars--to order a voltage regulator kit than to order just the voltage regulator. ...

INC test workaround for AM-7239E.(SINCGARS ...)
November 1, 2006... Dear Editor, Internet Controller (INC) modules running software versions 6.1.1 and newer have a design characteristic that results in an invalid INC test if the self-test BIT is run using the upper radio slot on the SINCGARS AM-7239/E...

No roughing the nut!(GBS Receive Suite AN/TSR-8 ...)
November 1, 2006... The locking nut on the tripod hub assembly, NSN 5985-01-530-2368, on the next generation receive terminal of the global broadcast service (GBS) receive suite AN/TSR-8 has been getting some rough treatment lately. Some of you are rotating...

Tapping into AA battery power.(GPS PLGR and DAGR ...)
November 1, 2006... If your AN/PSN-11 PLGR or AN/PSN-13 DAGR is not plugged into an external power source, you need AA batteries to find out where you are and where you're headed. The PLGR uses eight AA batteries in the battery holder. NSN 6160-01-385-4358....

Mask C2A1 canister recall.(M40/M42-Series, M45, M48 Masks ...)
November 1, 2006... Some C2A1 canister, NSN 4240-01-361-1319, for the M40/M42-series, M45, and M48 masks that may not meet protection standard have gotten into the supply system. NBC NCOs should immediately check all their unit's mask C2A1 canisters,...

DRASH equipment and POCs.(Tents ...)(deployable rapid assembly shelter accesories and points of contact)
November 1, 2006... One company that's fielded a variety of COTS equipment is DHS Systems LLC. DHS provides tents and trailers outfitted with generators and environmental control units. You know this equipment as DRASH[R]--Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelters. What...

No kit for GP tent poles.(Tents ...)
November 1, 2006... Dear Half Mast, Our unit has some of the old general purpose (GP) medium tents. They come with four different types of poles. Can I order the poles as a complete kit under a single NSN? Or do I have to order each type of pole separately?...

TMs to care for what you wear.(Clothing ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... WE ALL KNOW THAT AIRCRAFT, VEHICLES, COMMO AND SMALL ARMS NEED GOOD PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BUT WHAT ABOUT CLOTHING AND INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT? THEY DESERVE PM, TOO. SO, BEFORE YOUR BDUS GET ALL RAGGEDY AND...

Unit status reports replaced.(Maintenance Management ...)(Defense Readiness Reporting System-Army)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Army began modernizing the procedures for reporting unit readiness status in October when it introduced the Defense Readiness Reporting System-Army (DRRS-A). DRRS-A makes the reporting procedures a web-based report and management input...

Annual service kits for land-based weapons systems.
November 1, 2006... It's time to do the annual service on a vehicle, so the motor sergeant assigns a mechanic to do the service. If the mechanic is lucky, the motor sergeant provides a list of the needed part numbers. If not, the mechanic will have to search...

ESD packaging guide.(Connie's Post Scripts)(electrostatic discharge)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... MIL-HDBK-773 is the bible for electrostatic discharge (ESD) advice. The information contained in that handbook plus updates and new material can be found in a new Power Point presentation, Packaging Guide: Circuit Boards and Other Electrostatic...

More army combat uniforms.(Connie's Post Scripts)
November 1, 2006... Pages 46 and 47 of PS 644 (July 2006) gave you some tips for identifying an authentic Army combat uniform (ACU). The article says a tag on the ACU shows a government contract number. It goes on to say valid contract numbers start either with...

M240 MG BFA corrected, extras needed.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The NSN for the M240/M240C blank firing attachment that was given on Page 23 in PS 638 (Jan 06) is no longer good Now you must order the M21 blank firing attachment, NSN 1005-01-142-2841, and the M1/M1A1 firing attachment adapter, NSN...

Bradley PLGR cables.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... If you're in the habit of frequently connecting and disconnecting the 2W407 PLGR cable, NSN 6150-01-526-6560, on your M2A2/M3A2 ODS Bradley, stop! That makes the cable fail before its time. Cables have been hard to get, so keep the one you have...