PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-708
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 708
NOVEMBER 2011
8
PS 708
NOV 11
9
NOV 11
I
n cold weather, the recoil’s stroke speed can slow way down for the main gun on
your M1-series tank. The colder it gets, the slower the recoil speed.
That’s why the breech has an adjustable operating cam. When the temperature
plummets, you can bring back some punch to the breech’s ejectors. This allows the
breech to continue expelling stub bases even though the recoil speed is slower.
Unfortunately, some crewmen are adjusting the cam to operate the breech as fast
as it can no matter what the temperature. They Fgure the faster the stub bases eject,
the faster they can reload and Fre again.
But setting the cam to the ± (fast) setting doesn’t speed up the recoil. It just forces
the stub base to be ejected more aggressively. That causes extra stress and wear on
breech components and can lead to premature failure.
So, check the cam in
your tank now. The normal
operating position is one
tooth towards ± from the
S (slow) position. Then,
adjust the cam only if it
becomes necessary because
of cold weather.
You’ll Fnd the instructions for adjusting the cam starting on Page 3-266 of TM
9-2350-264-10-2 (Mar 03, w/Ch 6, Jun 09) and WP 0518 of TM 9-2350-388-10-3
(±eb 09).
And don’t forget to return the cam to its normal setting when that cold snap ends.
W
hen it’s cold outside,
you have to button up
your Paladin tight to
stay warm. But that can
put you at risk of carbon
monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide
comes from the exhaust
of personnel heaters,
the engine, and
from firing the
main gun. If you
don’t vent the
vapors, the carbon
monoxide will
increase until the
levels become
deadly.
•
Do your PMCS on time. That’s the
only way to make sure ventilation
systems and blowers are working
properly.
•
Never operate the personnel heater
in an enclosed area unless it is
adequately vented.
•
Do not idle the engine for long
periods unless you’re sure the
personnel compartment is
ventilated.
•
Do not drive your Paladin with the
inspection plates, cover plates or
engine compartment doors removed
unless it’s necessary for maintenance.
•
Be alert at all times for the
symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning: headaches, dizziness, loss
of muscular control, and drowsiness.
If you experience these symptoms,
get out of the vehicle, stay warm
and avoid physical exertion while
waiting for medical attention.
cold
M1-Series Tanks…
Setting the Cam for
COLD
M109A6 Paladin…
Normal
setting
is one
tooth
towards
F from S
position
I think
maybe they
should
adjust my
recoil for
this
cold
weather!!
those carbon
monoxide
fumes almost
did me in!
guess we
need to
do a little
pm
on the
ventilation
system!
whew!
that
was
close!
your best
protection is
awareness
and
ventilation.
follow these
basic tips to
ensure proper
ventilation…
708 08-09.indd
1-2
10/4/11
10:41 AM
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