The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from October 2007

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from October 2007

Dexron III disappearing?(Stryker ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, According to a message published by PM Stryker, you cannot; use Dexron VI hydraulic Fluid in Stryker transmissions. So we've continued to use Dexron III. Our problem began when we started...

Leave turret bolts alone?(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The 11 unused bolts on top of your tank's turret may look like prime locations for mounting flag brackets, roadwheels, lights or other items, crewmen. They're not! Those bolts, NSN 5305-01-014-5124, protect the...

Deflection protection.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] For years, a homemade deflector was the best way to prevent the M240 machine gun's expensive feed tray cover from being crushed when the tank's main gun was lowered. But since units had to make the deflector...

A wrenching repair problem!(M2A2/M3A2 Bradley ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, Our unit has several electric impact wrenches, NSN 5130-01309-6589, for the M2A2/M3A2 Bradley. Most of them can't be used, though, because the brushes are worn out. These wrenches are...

Reservoir reservations.(M109A6 Paladin ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] 1. Take a look at the oil level sight glass at the top of the hydraulic reservoir. If oil is visible and there are no signs of air in the system, you're good to go. If oil is not visible or you see air in the...

Am I my cable's keeper?(M88A1 Recovery Vehicle ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You bet you are! When you're using the M88A1's boom to lift something, it's up to you to keep the lift straight. If you try to make the lift from a sideways angle, a lot of stress is placed on the cable...

Watch your step!(MLRS Carrier ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, it only takes one misstep to cause some really expensive damage while working on an MLRS engine. It's easy to accidentally step on the 300WP3 cable that connects to the thermostat regulator, NSN...

Hey! Watch out for these!(MLRS ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Elevation Actuator Especially in the extreme heat of Iraq, the seals for the elevation actuators tend to leak. If they leak too much, the actuator could be ruined. When you do your weekly PMCS, check the seals....

Let's stop this damage.(Avenger Missile System ...)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, Through my work, as an instructor at the Ft Bliss Avenger school, I see lots of expensive damage done to Avengers that could be prevented by doing things just a bit differently. I'm talking about:...

Paper wad not the spring solution.(M16-Series Rifle, M4/M4A1 Carbine ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Editor, While repairing small arms here at the Ft Bliss DOL, we've run into several instances where soldiers tried to fix a weak buffer spring in their M16 rifle or M4/M4A1 carbine by sticking a wad of...

Getting CLP in little bottles.(Small Arms ...)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, We save our unit money by buying a gallon of CLP, NSN 9150-01-053-6688, For less than $20 and using it to fill 1/2-oz bottles for our gunners, cleaning kite. You can get the bottles For 37 cents...

Relax those springs.(Small Arms...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Some armorers are storing rifles, machine guns and pistols cocked with the bolts or slides locked to the rear. Bad move! While weapons sit cocked for weeks and weeks, the compression on their springs drains the springs' spring. When it's...

Help for ACOG, AN/PSQ-18A?(Small Arms ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear MSG Half-Mast, We have the new TA31F ACOG (advanced combat optical gunsight) and the new AN/PSQ-18A day/night sight. Are there TMs for these sights and how do you get them repaired? R.S. Dear Mr....

Should new weapons be gauged?(Small Arms ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... The answer is no, new weapons don't need to be gauged. And neither do weapons coming back from overhaul at depot. New and overhauled weapons are proof-fired and gauged prior to being shipped to your unit. So they don't need to be gauged for...

Where's your T&E?(Machine Guns ...)(traversing and elevation)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, Many units when they are getting ready to deploy are finding that they are missing parts for their M3 and M122/M122A1 machine gun tripods. Without the traversing and elevation mechanism (T&E) or the...

Heat test.(CAM/CAM)(chemical agent monitor/improved chemical agent monitor)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The chemical agent monitor/improved chemical agent monitor (CAM/ICAM) can be safely stored in temperatures from -65 to 158[degrees]F. But unfortunately in Iraq, the extremely hot weather combined with storage...

Optical insert NSN?(M40-, M42-Series Masks ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Dear Half-Mast, How do you get the optical insert for your M40-, M42-series mask that holds the prescription lenses? R.R. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Mr. R.R., You need the prescription lens carrier, NSN 6540-01-264-1348,...

Pressing hard's ok for anti-lock brakes.(M939-Series Trucks ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, I've got some tips For your readers that drive M939-series trucks with antilock brakes (ABS). Old hands know how to pump the brakes when slowing down on slippery pavement to avoid locking the wheels...

Preventing rollovers.(Up-armored HMMWVs ...)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] WHILE DRIVING OUTSIDE THE WIRE, YOU WANT TO GET WHERE YOU'RE GOING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE! BUT FOR UP-ARMORED HMMWVS, SHARP TURNS AT 40 MPH OR MORE CAN LEAD TO ROLLOVERS, AND YOU DON'T WANT THAT! OPERATORS,...

Open vents clog A/C.(M1114 HMMWVs ...)(air conditioning)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Operators, don't leave the A/C system's air vent open in your M1114 HMMWVs! When it is open--knob in the pushed-in position--the A/C evaporator coils get clogged with dirt, hindering your A/C's performance. You may...

Air filter clamping ring.(PLS/HET ... Comic)(Cartoon)
October 1, 2007... FORGET THE NUTS. GET A NEW CLAMP RING KIT THE MAKES SERVICING AIR FILTER ELEMENTS ON YOUR PLS AND HET A WHOLE LOT EASIER. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THAT'S RIGHT, HALF-MAST! THIS NEW KIT MAKES THINGS EASIER FOR YOU GUYS... AND BETTER...

Saved fuel will co$t you!(Wheeled Vehicles ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, I have seen soldiers and mechanics dumping the Fuel from the old Fuel filter into the Piety fuel filter. That's a no-go! When they do this, they are also dumping some of the dig into the new...

Wipers for M44A2, M809.(Wheeled Vehicles ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Want an electric windshield wiper for your older 2 1/2-ton and 5-ton trucks? Accessory kit, NSN 6105-01-461-7073, is available as a replacement for air-actuated units on M44A2-series 2 1/2-ton trucks and M809-series 5-ton trucks. TACOM's FIR...

Inventors and PM.(Comic)(Cartoon)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MANY INVENTORS HAVE PAVED A SMOOTHER PATH... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... FOR OPERATORS AND MECHANICS DOING PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, AND FOR SOLDIERS IN GENERAL. MOST PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT VARIOUS INVENTIONS,...

Change in ordering procedures.(AN/TPN-31, AN/FN-67 Radar Sets ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Air traffic controllers, if you own AN/TPN-31, NSN 5840-01-450-8126, or AN/FPN-67, NSN 5895-01-450-8127, radar sets, listen up. The air traffic navigation and coordination system (ATNAVICS) and the fixed base...

Gearbox servicing plug.(AH-64A/D ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Removing the servicing grease plug from the AH-64's intermediate gearbox with a wrench and socket from the aviation loot locker is a tough job, mechanics. Especially if it's not a good fit. Problem is, the TM...

Maintenance on the clutch.(AH-64A/D ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] So, mechanics, you've eliminated all other possible reasons the power take-off (PTO) clutch on your AH-64 isn't working, and you have determined you have a bad clutch. To replace it, start by checking the...

Stabilator cover up.(AH-64/UH-60 series ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Protecting precious items like jewelry, expensive clothes, furniture, and family heirlooms from damage is an important matter. The same goes for a Black Hawk or an AH-64 stabilator. A tool dropped on an...

Sending it to Toby for repairs.(COMSEC Equipment ...)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Editor, Gone COMSEC equipment; being sent; to Tobyhanna Army Depot; for repairs is going to the wrong location there. This can lead to all sorts of problems--like shipments geeing lost; and repairs being...

Return GBS parts.(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, Without the return of unserviceable assets, a damaged Global Broadcast; Service (GBS) AN/TSR-8 Receive Suite, NSN 5820-01-530-6498, will never be repaired. You must--MUST--turn in unserviceable...

Helmet mounts for all occasions.(Night Vision Devices ...)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mash le the same mounting bracket For right vision devices used on the PASGT helmet and the advanced combat helmet (ACH)? What's used on the CVC helmet? Dear Sergeant D. R. R., Here's what you need...

Power supply available.(AN/TAS-8(V)1 & (V)2LRAS3 ...)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, I am the ILS manager of the long range scout surveillance system (LRAS3) AN/TAS-8(V)1 & (V)2. I need to get the word out to units using LRAS3 systems that a tactical power supply, PP-295BD/U, NSN...

Reel time!(CE-11 ...)
October 1, 2007... HERE'S THE LATEST AND GREATEST ON PARTS AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ON CE-11 REEL EQUIPMENT. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Parts At one time, NSN 5805-00-407-7722, for the CE-11 brought the RL-39 reel, the TA-1/PT telephone set, and the...

When you have to ... shovel it.(Entrenching Tool ...)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] THE ENTRENCHING TOOL, NS 5120-00-878-5932, IS A COLLAPSIBLE, FOLDING TOOL USED AS A SHOVEL FOR DIGGING. YOU CAN ALSO ADJUST THE BLADE AND USE IT AS A MATTOCK. THE IMPORTANT POINT IS, THE TOOL SHOULD BE USED...

Nothin' drastic, just plastic.(Fuel Cans ...)(Table)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... LIKE WARRIORS OF OLD, THE 5-GAL METAL FUEL CANS HAVE PASSED INTO THE PAGES OF HISTORY. YOU WON'T FIND THE OLD METAL CANS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES IN THE SUPPLY SYSTEM ANY MORE. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOU WILL FIND 5-GAL PLASTIC CANS...

NSNs for universal camouflage.(Interceptor Body Armor ...)(Table)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] SOONER OR LATER IT'S BOUND TO HAPPEN. YOUR INTERCEPTOR BODY ARMOR'S OUTER TACTICAL VEST (OTV) SUFFERS BOME DAMAGE. THE DAMAGE COULD BE CUTS, RIPS, TEARS, HOLES OR BURNS. IT COULD BE LOOSE AND BROKEN...

Turning GMTK into MCMTK.(Tools ...)(general mechanic tool kit, multi-capable maintainer tool kit)(Table)
October 1, 2007... Now it's simple to turn the general mechanic tool kit (GMTK) into the multi-capable maintainer tool kit (MCMTK). NSN 5180-01-502-6332 brings you all the tools needed to change the GMTK (NSN 5180-01-483-0249, CL 5180-95-B47) into the MCMTK...

Torque wrench tidbits.(Tools ...)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Before Torquing Not all torque wrenches are alike. If you've never used the torque wrench you're about to use, test it to make sure it works like it's supposed to work and has a current calibration. And make...

The CTAs are authorization documents.
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Some of the gear and equipment that soldiers use is common among differing MTOEs or between MTOEs, TDAs and JTAs. Instead of placing these common items on MTOEs, TDAs and JTAs, the Army uses the Common Tables of...

Just where should PS Magazine be found in a unit?(Publications ...)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Editor, I've been trying to get; our unit; publications up-to-date and pale of that is establishing a PS library. I think it; would be helpful for PS to do an article about; where the magazine should...

New bushing compound for Bradley track.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... A new type of rubber compound is now being used in the bushings of T157I track. The new compound makes the bushings more durable for use in SWA. Track manufactured by Goodyear that has a starburst date stamp of Oct 05 or later was made with...

Check for Roof Leak on M1165A1 HMMWVs.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... If you have M1165A1 HMMWVs with B3 kits, maintenance personnel must inspect the roof area for leaks. A retrofit kit with installation instructions will be issued for free to users with vehicle serial numbers below 247067. Report leaks to Jerry...

Trailer test station for brake and light testing.(Connie's Post Scripts)
October 1, 2007... Instead of fabricating a tester, you can order a trailer light and brake tester, NSN 4910-01366-2563, for any time a trailer or semi-trailer needs that type of maintenance. Get more

M109 Howitzer Shield Defogger.(Connie's Post Scripts)
October 1, 2007... NSN 4240-01-250-B314 gets an anti-fogging kit for the panoramic telescope ballistics shield on the M109-series SP howitzer. Each kit includes 10 anti-fog pads to keep the shield fog-free on cold, wet nights.

M1142 fire truck plumbing can freeze.(Connie's Post Scripts)
October 1, 2007... When cold weather temperatures fall below freezing, you must blow water out of the pump and pipes in your M1142 tactical fire fighting trucks (TFFTs)! If you don't, say hello to damage when they aren't in use. Sure, it takes 2 hours to perform...