TM-9-2350-275-BD

M113 FAMILY CARRIER, PERSONNEL SELF-PROPELLED FULL-TRACKED

TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATORS, ORGANIZATIONAL, DIRECT SUPPORT AND GENERAL SUPPORT MAINTENANCE; BATTLEFIELD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND REPAIR

TM-9-2350-275-BD - Page 199 of 223

TM 9-2350-275-BD

APPENDIX B

SECTION IV. Welding Expedients

B-4. CONTROLLED AMPERAGE

General Information

Battlefield repairs requiring welding can be done by using the auxiliary generator (Little

Joe) from the M88 or generator recovery vehicle if a regular welder is not available.

Limitations:

●

Possible degraded armor protection

Materials/Tools:

●

Auxiliary generator (24 vdc)

●

Control unit from a welder or similar control

●

Welders helmet and gloves

●

Welding rod, coat hangers, or barbed wire

●

Heavy gauge cable (2.0 gauge or larger)

●

Vise grips or clamps

●

Fuel line

Personnel/Time Required:

●

2 soldier

●

1-2 hours

Other Options

●

Use uncontrolled amperage

●

Weld using vehicle battery power

Procedural Steps:

1. Remove auxiliary generator from M88 recovery vehicle and place close to area to be

welded. Connect heavy gauge cables to (+) and (-) output posts. Also connect control

unit to (+) and (-) output posts. Tighten terminal securely.

2. Connect negative (-) cable to tank hull with clamp close to area to be welded.

Connect welding rod to positive (+) cable with vise grips. Insulate vise grips with

gloves, rags, or several layers of dry paper.

WARNING

Use welder’s helmet to protect eyes and face from arc. Do not

touch exposed cable or vise grips with bare hands; metal

gets very hot.

Do not perform this task in rain or on wet ground

because of electrical shock hazard.

B-9