PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-634
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 634
SEPTEMBER 2005
PS 634
SEP 05
4
M1-Series Tanks…
I
f you’ve noticed cracks developing
on the underside of the turret,
don’t panic. Your tank is not coming
apart at the seams.
In most cases, these are not
cracks in the armor but in the thin
metal skin that covers the bottom
of the turret.
They need to be repaired,
though, so keep an eye out for
those cracks during your PMCS. If
you spot any, let your mechanic
know. He’ll fix them following the
procedures that start on Page 5-450
of TM 9-2350-264-20-2-3. The repair
procedures haven’t been added to
the M1A2 and M1A2 SEP manuals
yet, but they’re coming soon.
Mechanics, a new PMCS check is being added to the
-20-2-1 TMs for the M1A1, M1A2 and M1A2 SEP. It
requires checking for the cracks during semi-annual
services. Make a note until the TMs are changed.
Combat
Vehicles…
S
o you’ve gone through every Item in the PMCS tables of your vehicle’s -10 TM.
All finished, right?
Nope. If you think going through the PMCS charts is all you need to keep your
vehicle running, you’ve got another think coming.
During daily PMCS, there are a lot of items that don’t have a specific procedure
called out. In other words, a complete, overall inspection is what’s required.
if you
find
any
of these
problems,
let your
mechanic
know.
Your senses
(sight, touch, smell
and hearing)
are
crucial
in helping
uncover potential
problems.
Remember
your mission
and safety
could be
at
risk
if you
don’t do a
complete
PMCS.
• Catches, locks and hinges
should be checked for
smooth operation. Look for
metal fatigue, wear, and
other damage. Listen for
squeals that indicate rust.
• Bolts, clamps, nuts, and
screws should be checked
regularly for looseness.
How to tell?
Loose fasteners will show
chipped paint, bare metal, or
rust around the heads.
• Many items on your vehicle are welded and require careful inspection. A failing weld
may show movement, gaps, corrosion, and flaked or missing paint.
• Other items to inspect include
electrical connectors and cables.
Look for broken connectors and
worn or cut cables.
• Hose fittings, clamps, and the hose itself need
to be checked. Look for abrasions, seepage or
leaks. Feel for leaks in areas you can’t see. Take a
sniff, too. Some fluids have a distinctive odor.
Is Your Tank Cracking Up?
Cracks under turret can be repaired
I checked
every
item in the
tables!
the pmcs tables
don’t cover
everything!!
that
takes
care of
PMCS!
But I’ve
still got
problems!
Complete PMCS
Makes Sense
(
s
)
634.04-05(C).qxd
7/25/05
4:49 PM
Page 1
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