C
rewmen, when closing the engine access grille on
your howitzer or ammo carrier, make sure you stow the
grille support arm’s quick-release pin first.
A pin that hangs free gets broken or crushed when
the grille is closed. The next time you open the grille,
the support arm won’t be able to hold it up.
Even if it’s properly stowed, the pin will snap if you
let the grille door slam shut. So, easy does it.
Replace a missing or damaged pin with NSN 5315-
00-419-0758.
M109-Series SP Howitzers, M992-Series Ammo Carriers . . .
Stow the Pin!
Dear Editor,
Hosing down the inside of the Paladin to keep it clean plays havoc
with some of its electrical systems—especially the crew compartment
warning light.
The warning light cover has a
rubber gasket that’s supposed to
keep water out. But if the gasket
is damaged or missing and water
gets inside—ZAP!—the warning
light shorts out. Then you have to
rely on the master warning light in
the driver’s compartment to keep
you aware of problems.
Since there’s no replacement NSN for the gasket, most units fork
over the bucks for a new warning light housing, NSN 6220-01-315-
6283.
We protect the warning light
and save some bucks by running a
bead of clear silicone sealant,
the inside edge of the cover.
Just put the cover back in place
before the silicone dries and wipe
off any that oozes outside the
housing. That gives you a
waterproof seal that keeps the
warning light on the job.
SGT John Spessard
2/5th FA
Ft Sill, OK
M109A6 Paladin . . .
An excellent suggestion. Crewmen,
keeping high-pressure water away
from electronics will help, too.
PS 567
21
20
Stow pin
for protection
now you're
spic and span
inside.
yeah, but
you
shorted out
my crew compartment
warning light.
Water inside
housing shorts
out light
Run sealant
around outside
edge of gasket