TB-9-1000-234-13 Exercising of M109 Recoil Mechanisms and Equilibrators Download
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TB 9-1000-234-13 1-2 (1) On serviceable weapons in the field which will not be fired for prolonged periods. A prolonged period is 180 days for all weapons except the Towed Howitzer M119 Series. Those M119 Series Howitzers with the LTR recuperator (NSN 3040-01-340-4823) must be exercised every 90 days IAW TM 9-1015-252-10. Armored Reconnaissance Airborne Assault Vehicle M551 and M551A1 and Self-Propelled Howitzer M110A2 must be exercised every 90 days when in administrative storage and every 30 days when in the hands of using units. (2) On weapons in all types and classes of storage, in storage at manufacturer's, or in storage at overhaul facilities. (3) On serviceable unmounted recoil mechanisms and equilibrators in the field or in storage. c. Exercising Procedures (General). • The recoil mechanism may be seriously and permanently damaged if the extension of the piston rod reaches the point at which metal-to-metal contact between the recoiling and non-recoiling parts occur. The distance of the piston rod extension where this occurs is given in table 2-1 in the "Inches distance rod NOT to be extended" column. Never extend the piston rod the distance given in this column. If the metal-to-metal contact distance of any weapon is unknown, do not exceed the distance given as "maximum recoil’ in the pertinent technical manual. • NEVER attempt to exercise recoil mechanisms on combat vehicle by placing cannon muzzle against an immovable object and driving the vehicle forward to create a moving force. NOTE The recoil piston rod must be extended a sufficient distance to leave a film of fluid between the packings and respective sliding surfaces. (1) Move the recoil piston rod back. Refer to tables 2-1 and 2-2 for the distance the piston rod should be moved on the various weapons for all methods of exercising, except when exercising with the oil pump M3 (paragraphs 2.1h and 2.2b). (2) The initial procedure in the exercising process is to remove discolorations on the piston rod caused by the packing. The cleaning must be done when the piston rod is extended the first time, as follows: retain the piston rod in the extended position and use an oiled crocus cloth, worked in a longitudinal direction, to remove discolorations from rod. Under no circumstances will discoloration be removed with abrasives other than crocus cloth. With the piston rod still extended, remove the recoil cylinder head (respirator) and clean the exposed part of the cylinder, where the recoil piston normally rests, with a fine lint-free cloth dampened with dry cleaning solvent. (3) Move the recoil piston rod back and forth three times to make sure a satisfactory film of fluid is established under the packings. CAUTIONs