CHAPTER 4. ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

TM 5-4320-273-14

CHAPTER 4

ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Section 1. SERVICE UPON RECEIPT OF MATERIAL

CAUTION

4-1. Inspecting and Servicing the Equipment.

Constant current battery charging is always

must

p r e f e r r e d . If

use

you

a. Before you operate the pumping assembly, inspect

battery

constantpotential

charger,

the equipment as follows:

temperatures must be maintained at less

(1) Inspect for damage that may have recurred

than 130F (54.4C) by interrupting the

during shipment.

charging procedure as this temperature is

(2) Inspect for loose or missing hardware. Tighten

approached.

all loose hardware.

NOTE

(3) Remove any preservatives or tapes which may

Use distilled water or a good grade drinking

have been used to protect components or seal openings.

water (excluding mineral water).

(4) Inspect the controls, instruments, gages, and

(2) During charging, check the electrolyte level

valves for damage and loose mountings; free levers and

frequently. Add distilled water when necessary to maintain

linkage of any binding.

the battery electrolyte level. Continue charging after adding

(5.) Inspect all accessible wiring for loose

water to assure proper mixing of solution.

connections, cuts, burns, frayed insulation and damaged

terminals and shielding. Replace damaged wiring or

WARNING

terminals.

Take precautions against spilling electrolyte

(6) Inspect the fire extinguisher to be sure that it is

on clothing or allowing it to come in contact

fully charged and in operating condition.

with skin as burns may occur. Use rubber

gloves when filling battery. Do not smoke or

(7) Ensure the oil in the crankcase is at the proper

use open flame in the vicinity when servicing

level and then turn over the engine using the engine crank.

the batteries, since they generate hydrogen

The engine and pump should turn freely without binding or

gas which is highly explosive. Fill the fuel

scraping or other signs of faulty operation.

tank with gasoline. Fuel tank capacity is 20

NOTE

gallons (76 liters).

O c c u r r e n c e of a clicking noise while

42. Installation.

handcranking engine indicates an engaged

a. Locate the unit as close as possible to the liquid

starting motor Bendix. This is usually caused

source and maintain the suction lift as low as practical with

by weak battery. The battery should have a

the line sloping up to the pump to eliminate air pockets.

specific gravity reading of 1.250 or above. Use a

Locate the unit on level terrain and, if conditions permit,

fully charged battery and start the engine. The

avoid muddy, sandy, or dusty sites. Before the pumping

starter Bendix will disengage when the engine

assembly is disengaged from the towing vehicle, pull down

speed reaches 900 rpm or above.

and lock front stand in position and block the wheels

(8) Report any damage or malfunctioning to your

securely. If it is necessary to compensate for unlevel terrain

supervisor.

or soft undergrounding, arrange a foundation of planking

b. Servicing the pumping assembly primarily consists

logs or concrete that is capable of withstanding the weight of

of the following:

the unit when filled with liquid and secure enough to

minimize vibration. You should allow ample room around

NOTE

the pump to support the suction and discharge hoses and to

Use an electrolyte with a specific gravity of

service the pump as required.

1.280. Do not use tropical electrolyte which

b. Make sure that your connections in the suction line

will reduce battery reserve capacity.

are air tight. Even a small leak will greatly reduce pumping

(1) If you are preparing the pumping assembly for

efficiency and may cause difficulty in priming, especially

initial use, fill battery with electrolyte to a level of 3/8 inch

when the pump is operating with a high suction lift.

(0.93 cm) above plates. Check specific gravity with a

c. Connect the discharge hose to one of the couplings

hydrometer; it should be at least 1.250 or higher at 75F

of the discharge pipe assembly. If fluid is to be supplied to

(23.8C). It is good practice to charge the battery for 10 or 15

alternate locations, connect a discharge hose to the second

minutes before applying the starting leads. Charge the

discharge coupling.

battery using a constant current charger. Check the specific

gravity of the electrolyte every 30 minutes. The battery is

d. Close the suction valves. Check to be sure that the

fully charged when you get a constant specific gravity

drain valve at the bottom of the pump housing is closed. To

reading for three 30 minute intervals.

prime the pump, remove the primer fill cap

4-1

Change 4