The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from October 2003

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from October 2003

In a nutshell.
October 1, 2003... Motor sergeants, ask this question tomorrow morning before the day's work begins in the motorpool. What's the difference between maintenance and preventive maintenance? Sounds like a simple question, but you might be surprised by some...

A little lube wins the race: M1A1/A2 tanks ...
October 1, 2003... Without proper lube, the race ring on your MIAI or MlA2 tank will quickly come to a grinding halt. Trouble is, those tanks that are equipped with the new wire race ring, NSN 101501-433-7999, don't have easy access to the lubrication...

New check for breech: M1A1/A2 tanks ...
October 1, 2003... The new check is Item 14 on Page 2-32. Without it, main gun accuracy degrades until it becomes difficult to hit a target. First, you'll need to fabricate the piston seating gauge shown on Page D-11 of TM 92350-264-20-2-4. Use gauge stock,...

Lock that collar! M1-series tanks ...
October 1, 2003... A crooked collar retainer on your tank's bore evacuator is more than a bad fashion statement, crewmen. It can also lead to damage and even injury. The culprit is a loose roll pin. If the roll pin backs out, the collar retainer and bore...

Keep extra shoe in service: M2/M3-series Bradleys....
October 1, 2003... A broken track shoe in the field can bring your Bradley to a screeching halt--unless you have an extra shoe with you. You're supposed to keep an extra shoe mounted just above the engine deck on the front of your Bradley. Mount it wrong,...

Regulator needs a strap: M113-series FOV ...
October 1, 2003... Mechanics, there are two different types of 200-amp regulators for M113-series vehicles. One has a built-in internal ground and the other requires an external ground strap. Both regulators come under NSN 2920 01-300-3737 and that's where...

M88A1/AVLB idler seal.
October 1, 2003... Use NSN 5330-01-407-91M5 to order a new compensating idler arm seal for your M88A1 recovery vehicle and M60A1 AVLB. The NSN listed for Item 29 in Fig 195 of TM 92350-256-24P-1 and Item 36 in Fig 175 of TM 5-5420-202-24P is no longer available.

Stop the crack attack! MLRS carrier ...
October 1, 2003... That old enemy, vibration, is at it again. This time, it's attacking the engine oil dipstick tube on MLRS carriers that aren't equipped with a special bracket. Shaking and vibration whip the long neck of the dipstick tube back and forth....

Treat heater with TLC: personnel heaters ...
October 1, 2003... The new A-20 Global is a rugged and hard-working personnel heater. But it can still be damaged if you don't treat it right, mechanics. In particular, you need to pull on the kid gloves when removing the heater from a vehicle. It may seem...

Knock out water and crud: FMTV ...
October 1, 2003... Frost on the pumpkin in the morning means condensation was forming in your FMTV's fuel tank the night before. So do your vehicle's fuel system a big favor. Drain the fuel/water separator after the day's run. Not draining the separator...

Trailer parts update: M989A1 HEMAT ...
October 1, 2003... Brake Parts Some of the NSN's for the trailers air brake parts have changed. Make a note of these new numbers in Fig 13 of TM 9-2330-383-14&P. Item Part NSN 2 Chamber, 2530-01-301-3033 air brake ...

Handbrake adjustment: M101/M116-series trailers ...
October 1, 2003... Is there enough "brake" in your trailer's handbrake? Most small trailer handbrake adjustments are simple--just turn the handbrake handle clockwise until the trailer wheels no longer turn when the handbrake is applied. But handbrake...

Air line handle no handhold: M915A4 tractor truck ...
October 1, 2003... Operators and mechanics, the tractor truck's air line cutoff handle is no handhold for climbing aboard the catwalk. A busted handle means you can't open and close the air pressure that operates the trailer's air brake system. It may also...

POL guide source: fuels and lubes ...
October 1, 2003... Write: US Army TACOM Fuels and Lubricants Team ATTN: AMSTA-TR-D/110 6501 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48397-5000 Call: DSN 786-4222 (586) 574-4222 Fax: DSN 786-4222 (586) 574-4244 Email:...

Looking out for your sentinel.
October 1, 2003... RCT The RCT is usually damaged by not being stowed properly before movement or for storage. Since the RCT costs close to $50,000, you won't be popular in your unit if it's damaged because of your carelessness. Any time you're not...

The latest on BFAs: small arms ...
October 1, 2003... M249 Machine Gun The NSN listed on Page C-5 in the old TM 9-1005-201-10 for the M249's BFA is no longer good. The correct NSN is 1005-21-912-8997. This was corrected in Change 2 to the TM. M 16-series Rifle/ M4-series Carbine The...

Does M240B fit M240 rack? M240 machine gun ...
October 1, 2003... Does the M240B machine gun fit in the M240 rack if the M240B has been modified with the new buffer assembly and buttstock (MWO 9-I005-313-20-I) and forward rail assembley (MWO 9-1005-313-301)? We're hearing that it won't fit. SGT D.R. ...

Jumping with your detector: AN/PSS-12 mine detecor ...
October 1, 2003... Dear Editor, The carrying case for the AN/PSS-12 mine detector usually does a fine Job of protecting the detector search head, especially if you wrap the head in bubble wrap as you've suggested in PS. But when you're an airborne unit...

Detectably good detector PM: AN/PSS-12 mine detecor ...
October 1, 2003... If your AN/PSS-12 mine detector has trouble detecting, you and your unit have trouble surviving on the battlefield. These pointers will keep your mine detector fit for duty. Protect it. That's the most important thing to remember. The...

Lube up ... lube now! MW24C scoop loader ...
October 1, 2003... A little lube in the right place works wonders on your scoop loader. Avoid unnecessary repairs with these PM lube pointers before your loader heads out for the day's run. Engine Access Panels Pull latches on the engine's access panels...

Clean air for cab: 621B scraper ...
October 1, 2003... Filter elements for the cab's air system seem to get overlooked for regular cleanings. That's because they're located on the roof. Regardless of how dirty the worksite conditions are, the filter elements keep clean air circulating inside...

Providing logistics support to warfighters.
October 1, 2003... Hey, Bonnie! did you hear about the logistics support activity's anniversary? Sure did! It's been a great ten years. The past is great, but LOGSA's readiness support of our warfighters and analysis of its databases will continue to be...

Logistics Integrated Database (LIDB).
October 1, 2003... * has a single relational database * uses one logon and password for all products * stores tactical and national real time and historical info * has on demand info for warfighters and civilian logisticians * has info on...

WebLIDB.
October 1, 2003... Similar to the client-server version of LIDB is the internet version, called WebLIDB. It has the advantage of improved response time for running reports. For the modules available on WebLIDB, reports are processed faster than on the...

WebLOG.
October 1, 2003... A different type of LIDB product is WebLOG: http://weblog.logsa.army.mil WebLOG has 48 categories of into and reports, 19 links to significant logistics websites, as well as seven other important LOGSA programs. WebLOG provides quick hit...

Parts Tracker.
October 1, 2003... Parts Tracker allows anyone from the supply clerk to senior logistics management officials to enter a document number and find out the exact location of an item shipped through the Defense Transportation System. Parts Tracker tracks the item...

Vehicle registration.
October 1, 2003... HERE'S WHAT'S IMPORTANT ABOUT VEHICLE REGISTRATION! "THIS DATABASE PROGRAM KEEPS TRACK OF ARMY COMBAT, TACTICAL, AND NON-TACTICAL VEHICLES THAT TRAVEL ON PUBLIC ROADS AND WATERWAYS." "USING REPORTED SERIAL NUMBERS AND REGISTRATION...

Equipment oriented publications database.
October 1, 2003... ONE OF LOGSA'S PRODUCTS IS REALLY A BOON FOR UNIT MAINTENANCE AND SUPPLY CLERKS AND NCOS. THE EQUIPMENT ORIENTED PUBLICATIONS DATABASE (EOPDB) HELPS UNIT SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE FOLKS FIND OUT WHICH TECHNICAL MANUALS THEY ARE REQUIRED TO...

Electronic technical manuals.
October 1, 2003... New users should check for software requirements. Many online pubs at the site don't require a logon and password. For those that do, getting access is a clear process. Once you enter the site you can search for pubs using any of several number...

SKOs.
October 1, 2003... SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS (SKO) CAN NOW BE ACCESSED THROUGH THE EM 0074 CD-ROM, OR ONLINE AT: http:weblog.logsa.army.mil/sko/index.cfm USERS CAN VIEW OR PRINT HAND RECEIPTS FROM ALL THESE PRODUCTS. THE NEW SKOs ARE MORE COST EFFECTIVE,...

ARIL.
October 1, 2003... THE WEB-BASED AUTOMATIC RETURN ITEMS LIST (ARIL) ON WEBLOG ALLOWS MSC ITEM MANAGERS TO UPDATE ARIL ITEMS AT ANY TIME. THE FILE IS VALIDATED AGAINST THE ARMY MASTER DATE FILE TO ENSURE THAT ONLY VALID NIINS ARE SUBMITTED. FOR MORE INFO, YOU...

ASL/PLL.
October 1, 2003... GETTING GOOD ASSIGNED STOCKAGE LIST/PRESCRIBED LOAD LIST (ASL/PLL) INFO IS SIMPLE THANKS TO THE CLAS IX SUPPORT CAPABILITY IN LIDB. UNDER THE QUERY DATABASE SUPPORT ITEM REQUIREMENTS MODULE YOU CAN... * Determine the parts on a...

Army Oil Analysis Program.
October 1, 2003... ARMY OIL ANALYSIS PROGRAM (AOAP) SAMPLING CAN SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BY PREVENTING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE, GEARBOX, AND TRANSMISSION FAILURES. IT CAN ALSO SAVE THE LIVES OF SOLDIERS WHO DEPEND ON MOBILITY TO CONDUCT LETHAL AND SURVIVABLE...

DoD Activity Address Codes.
October 1, 2003... The LOGSA Army Central Service Point manages the DoD Activity Address Codes that identify authorized Army units and contract activities engaged in requisitioning, receiving, and billing of materiel. The daily update of DODAAC info provides...

Routing Identifier Codes.
October 1, 2003... Routing Identifier Codes help warfighters get requested items quickly and efficiently by routing transactions to proper supply sources. The LOGSA RIC routes requests to inter- and intra-service agencies on supply transactions. The RIC also...

Installation Activity Codes.
October 1, 2003... LOGSA CONTROLS, ASSIGNS, UPDATES, DELETES, AND ISSUES ALL INSTALLATION ACTIVITY CODES FOR THE ARMY THROUGH A DESIGNATED LIST OF REQUESTORS. MORE THAN 2,000 CUSTOMERS USE IACS TO OBTAIN PROCUREMENT REQUEST ORDER NUMBERS. FOR MORE INFO,...

Master Project Codes.
October 1, 2003... Army Master Project Codes are also controlled, assigned, updated, and issued by LOGSA. These codes distinguish requisitions and related documentation and shipments. The codes also accumulate intra-service performance and cost data related to...

LOGSA pamphlets 700-1 and -2.
October 1, 2003... Pam 700-1 is a guide to key logistics info LOGSA offers to soldiers and decision makers at all levels. A copy is available at: http://www.logsa.army.mil/pam700/toc1.htm or by emailing: hotline@logsa.redstone.army.mil Pam 700-2 focuses...

Quick Reaction Team: LOG911.
October 1, 2003... The Quick Reaction Team provides logistics information, feedback, and assistance to garrison and deployed forces. It also resolves deployment logistics issues and expedites requisitions that affect equipment readiness. The team helps deployed...

Desert PM lessons learned.
October 1, 2003... FOR MORE THAN A YEAR WE'VE BEEN PUSHING PM ARTICLES ABOUT DESERT OPERATIONS. NOW WE'D LIKE TO HEAR WHAT PM MEASURES YOU TOOK TO KEEP VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN THE FIGHT. WE KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN SOME REALLY IMPORTANT LESSONS LEARNED AND...

Tail rotor hardware mix up: UH-60A/L ...
October 1, 2003... WHEN REINSTALLING THE BLACK HAWK'S TAIL ROTOR AFTER MAINTENANCE, DON'T GET A CASE OF AMNESIA ABOUT WHERE THE RETENTION PLATE HARDWARE GOES. IT'S EASY TO GET THE HARDWARE MIXED UP. "SO MAKE YOURSELF A BOLT DISPLAY BOARD TO FIGURE OUT...

Don't check oil cold: CH-47D ...
October 1, 2003... Mechanics, don't get in a hurry when it's time to do pre-flight inspections. For example, don't check your Chinook's engine oil level indicator when your bird is cold. Warm up cold engines first before checking the gauge. That's because...

Seat belt flap: CH-47D ...
October 1, 2003... Why replace a serviceable Chinook seatbelt, mechanics, when all you need to do is replace the leather backing flap? If the seatbelt flap is worn out, or flaking, local purchase some russet color bulk leather. Drill out the old rivets and...

Life preserver update: Alse ...
October 1, 2003... The multi-service Air Force T.O. 14S-1-102, which has Army TM 5-4220-202-14 assigned to it, has changes that have not been included in the Army TM. TM 54220-202-14 has only been updated through Change 15. For all the Air Force, however, the...

Stop sand before it stops you: AN/GRC-103 radio ...
October 1, 2003... Sand in cooling air filter makes the ventilation fan work harder and harder to suck in cooling air. The transmitter overheats and the OVERHEAT lamp comes on and stays on. The transmission signal degrades or the signal goes out altogether. ...

Purging resolving calibrating ... oh my! Night vision goggles ...
October 1, 2003... Dear Half-Mast, There are three problems In night; vision goggle (NVG) maintenance that Just won't go away. One, they are not being serviced (purged) every 180 days. Two, the resolution test is not being done on them. And...

Night vision nut: AN/TVS-5 NVS ...
October 1, 2003... Dear Half-Mast, The wing nut for the mount of the AN/TVS-5 night; vision sight, NSN 5855-00-629-5327, is no longer in the supply system. What should we use? Specialist E.E.H. Dear Specialist E.E.H., The AN/PVS-4 has a similar...

Antenna parts: M71 RCU ...
October 1, 2003... The M71 remote control land mine system, NSN 1290-01-161-3662, needs an antenna to transmit. Unfortunately, all the replacement parts you need for the antenna are not in the M71's TM 9-1290-20823&P. The lead coil, NSN 5985-01218-2143, is...

Leave the alarm cable alone! AN/VIC-3 ...
October 1, 2003... Crewmen, keep your hands off the vehicular intercommunication system (VIS) alarm cable connected to the driver's full function crew station! When the alarm cable is disconnected, the vehicle hazard warning tones cannot be beard through the...

Only one cable.
October 1, 2003... Crewmen, the only cable you can disconnect in the vehicular intercommunication system (VIS) during use is the drop cord attached to the left ear cup of the CVC headset to the bailout cable assembly. (Yeah, the spaghetti cord.) That's it!...

Keep the Fox's legs strong: fox NBC vehicle ...
October 1, 2003... All of the Fox's expensive, sophisticated sensing equipment won't make much sense if the Fox doesn't have the legs to get to the danger zones. That's why it's important not to forget the Fox vehicle. Here are some ways to keep it moving: ...

Don't ignore DS2.
October 1, 2003... DS2 is powerful stuff. It has to be to neutralize powerful chemical agents. Because it's powerful, you can't ignore it. If it makes a mess, then you can be in a mess with the environmental and safety folks. * Never store DS2 with STB, HTH,...

Tool NSNs have changed: M17-series, sanator decons ...
October 1, 2003... GET OUT YOUR PENCILS, DECONNERS. TOOLS AND THEIR NSNs HAVE CHANGED FOR BOTH THE SANATOR AND M17 DECON TOOL KITS. DELETE THE TOOLS LISTED IN FIG F-22 OF TM 3-4230-218-12&P AND FIG C-60 OF TM 3-4230-228-23&P AND LIST THESE INSTEAD......

Lighten up on light disposal: Hazmat ...
October 1, 2003... Tossed a burned-out fluorescent light into the trash lately? You could be guilty of illegal disposal of hazardous waste! Fluorescent lights are designated a hazardous waste because they contain high levels of mercury. When dumped into a...

Poor PM dooms drums: Hazmat ...
October 1, 2003... YOUR PLAN FOR COLLECTING AND DISPOSING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE AT THE MOTOR POOL IS ONLY AS STRONG AS THE DRUMS YOU USE. SO MARCH TO THE PM DRUMBEAT WITH THESE TIP... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Before using a drum, wipe off water, oil or...

Burner basics: Modern Burner Unit ...
October 1, 2003... The modern burner unit (MBU) is fast replacing the old M2 burner in the field. In many ways the MBU differs from the M2. The differences show up in operations, in the type of fuel, even in preventive maintenance. So if you want to keep on...

Washday for Alice.
October 1, 2003... When the fabric parts of your All Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) get spattered with mud and grime, it's time for cleaning. A washing now and then will help make the parts last longer and make them more comfortable to...

Dealing with the unlikely: ULLS-G records ...
October 1, 2003... Entering a new operator's license in ULLS-G is no cause for excitement, except when the unexpected occurs. Take, for example, the case when CPL Samuel Smith, SSAN xxx-xx-6789 already exists in the system. The situation becomes complicated...