PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-604
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 604
MARCH 2003
Dear Editor,
Both in Germany and in the desert we had trouble
with leaking mast seals on the Patriot's antenna mast
group (AMG). Once the seals started leaking, we had
trouble building up enough air pressure to raise and
lower the masts. We sometimes had to increase the
pressure well above 35 psi to raise the mast.
We found the problem was the 30W oil used to
lubricate the masts. In the desert, it collected sand
that ground up the seals. In the cold, the oil some-
times got so stiff it couldn't lube. Then the seals
dried out and started to leak.
By switching to a lighter lube like WD-40 or
refrigerant oil, NSN 9150-00-664-4449, we had
far fewer mast problems. These lubes didn't collect as
much sand and were less likely to freeze in the cold.
SGT Lawrence Arrindell
507th Maint Co
Ft Bliss, TX
Your seal suggestion gets our seal of
approval. No matter how much trouble
Patriot crews have raising the AMG masts,
they should never raise the air pressure
more than 35 psi. If they do, the masts can
actually shoot off. Tell your repairman.
The mast probably has leaking seals.
PS 604
MAR 03
19
PS 604
MAR 03
18
Dear Editor,
When soldiers enter the Patriot's
AN/MPQ-53 radar, they often put
their hands around the door frame to
pull themselves inside. The trouble is
that they accidentally catch the wires
hanging just inside the door and pull
them out. Of course, ripped-out wires
cause all sorts of radar problems.
We've found you can protect wires by
tieing them back so they don't dangle
and can't be accidentally grabbed.
Twist ties are good for this.
It's also a good idea for soldiers to
take off any gear they're wearing before
they go in the radar. There's not much
room in there. If you're wearing lots of
gear, it will catch on wires and tear
them out.
SSG Wallace Layne
SGT Brian Duff
549th Maint Co, 6/52 ADA
Ausbach, Germany
I just
can’t seem
to raise it!
I think
your seals
are giving
out!
Don’t
raise
pressure
over 35 psi
From the desk of the
Editor
Tie back wires to keep them
from being jerked out
stop!
don’t
pull on
us!
Patriot Missile System…
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