PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-607
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 607
JUNE 2003
PS 607
JUNE 03
17
M109A6 Paladin…
Prevent Pad Problems
PS 607
JUNE 03
16
W
ater in the fuel system of your M109A2-A5 howitzer is trouble. It promotes the
growth of microorganisms that clog fuel lines and filters.
Wondering how water gets in
the fuel? Look no farther than
the fuel filler neck opening.
Water pools around the filler
neck opening. If the fuel cap
gasket is old or worn, it lets
water seep past and go straight
into the fuel system.
So eyeball the gasket, NSN 5330-00-179-0414. If it’s missing, torn or cut, have
your mechanic replace it following the procedures on Pages 6-4 and 6-5 of TM 9-
2350-311-20-1.
C
rewmen, after you’ve cleaned the segment board on your Paladin, don’t forget to
remove the green pad from the cleaning block.
If you leave it in place, dirt and other
debris begin building up. The pads even-
tually make contact with the segment
board causing interference and distortion
on the intercom.
When you
do
remove the pad, make
very sure that you get the block locked
back down on the cleaning mechanism.
If it’s not locked down properly, vibra-
tion makes the cleaning block pop up. In
that position, the cleaning block rubs
against the segment board until—zap!—
the segment board shorts out. You’re left
without turret power or commo.
Ensure the cleaning block is locked
down by eyeballing it. Look for a slight
gap between the cleaning block and the
cleaning mechanism. A gap means the
cleaning block is not locked down. Try
again.
No gap? The cleaning block is locked down and you’re good to go.
Then
prevent
further
water
problems
like this…
•
Make sure the filler cap is snugged down
tight after each refueling. A loose cap keeps the
gasket from doing its job.
•
Check for any visible damage to the cap or the
filler neck. Dents or gouges prevent a good seal.
•
Use a rag to soak up any water that has accu-
mulated around the filler neck before fueling. If
you don’t, that water will pour into the fuel tank
as soon as you open the fuel cap.
Water pools
here and
seeps past
gasket
guess I
won’t
be on
that exercise
tomorrow!
not with all
the water
seeping into
my fuel tank!
darn
static…
…I can’t
hear a
thing!
the
reception
would be
loud and
clear if my
segment
board
weren’t so
dirty!
Dirt builds up on cleaning
pad and hits segment board
Gap here means block
not
locked down
M109A2-A5 SP Howitzers…
607. 16-17 (C)
4/24/03
2:57 PM
Page 1
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