PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-590
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 590
JANUARY 2002
M1-Series Tanks…
New QD Is on the Case
R
econnecting the main hydraulic pump’s pretty easy, right mechanics? After all,
the supply, return and case drain lines all have quick-disconnects (QDs) that make
the job pretty straightforward.
W-e-e-ll, maybe not.
The case drain line sits back in a corner, so
its QD, NSN 4730-01-081-2106, is really hard
to attach. Yet a loose connection increases the
chance of an engine fire and increases
hydraulic pressure and temperature that could
ruin the hydraulic pump.
That problem has been fixed with a new QD,
NSN 4730-01-473-3069. The new “sure lock”
QD provides a one-way only connect feature
that ensures a positive lock.
The QDs are available as free issue items from the Abrams Program Manager.
Individual units are receiving the new QDs as they become available from the man-
ufacturer. All active, National Guard and Reserve units should have the QDs by the
end of FY02.
Once you receive the new QDs, make sure they are installed in your vehicle no
later than the next scheduled semi-annual service or when the powerpack is pulled
for non-scheduled maintenance.
Tread Separation
M1-series tanks, M2/M3-
series
Bradleys,
MLRS,
M88A1 recovery vehicle and
M60 AVLB:
If tread separation
is 1 inch or wider around 75
percent of the roadwheel,
replace it.
M113-series FOV,
M551
Sheridan, M992A2 ammo car-
rier, and M109-series SP how-
itzers:
Replace roadwheels that
have tread separation that’s
1
∕
2
inch or wider around 75 per-
cent of the roadwheel.
JAN 02
15
M1064-Series Mortar Carriers…
Fuel Line Shakeup
V
ibration can loosen just about anything, including
the external fuel tank mounting bolts and fuel lines
on your mortar carrier.
Vibration from firing the mortar loosens those
bolts and fittings and creates a fuel leak. That’s bad
news if there happens to be a spark around to set off
the fuel.
As part of your before-operation PMCS and during
mortar round firings, take a close look at the external
fuel tanks and all fuel lines. Report any problems and
remember, any fuel leak makes your carrier NMC.
Check depth of
tread separation
Extend Roadwheel Life
Of course, you want to get as much life as pos-
sible from your roadwheels. Here’s how:
•
Maintain proper track tension.
Loose track
lets the center guides hit the rubber tread on
roadwheels and support rollers. That causes
gouging and chunking of the rubber. Refer to
your operator’s manual for proper track tension-
ing adjustments.
•
Tighten loose lug nuts.
Loose lug nuts let the
roadwheels and support wheels wobble. That
further strips the lug bolt threads and eats away
at the wheel’s mounting holes. The more the
wheels move, the greater the chance that the cen-
ter guides will hit and damage the tread.
Use proper torque and proper torque sequenc-
ing—if required by your manuals—on road-
wheel locknuts. If a roadwheel needs to be
replaced, discard old locknuts and use new ones.
Locknuts that are used a second time will loosen
and damage the roadwheel and track.
•
Maintain track.
Unserviceable track will
damage perfectly good roadwheels. Replace track
as required by your TM. Then, keep track and
roadwheel arms free of rocks and debris, which
can cause binding and accelerate roadwheel wear.
Check external fuel tanks
for loose bolts and leaks
For tracking
purposes, forward
a completed DA Form
2407 to the Abrams
PM when a new QD is
installed to…
I’ve got a
new
Quick-
Disconnect
that’ll solve
all your
problems!
PM Abrams Tank System
SFAE-GCSS-W-AB-LD
(Michael Calleja)
Warren, MI 48397-5000
Case drain line quick-
disconnect can pop loose
my case drain
line quick-
disconnect
just popped
loose
-
again!
what am
I gonna
do?!
590. 12-15 (C)
11/26/01
7:37 PM
Page 3
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