TB-9-1000-234-13 Exercising of M109 Recoil Mechanisms and Equilibrators Download
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TB 9-1000-234-13 2-4 i. M198 and M777A2 Howitzers Recoil Exerciser/Hydraulic Ram. (1) Elevate or depress cannon tube to approximately zero mils. (2) Assemble hydraulic ram support assembly on cannon tube. (3) Connect the hydraulic ram support assembly to the cradle assembly with attaching hardware. (4) Block out replenisher indicator rod by installing the replenisher indicator rod clamp on the indicator rod guard (M198 only). (5) Connect hydraulic hose to the hydraulic ram support assembly and to either the hand or electric operated hydraulic pump. (6) Operate pump until the hydraulic ram is extended approximately 14 inches. (7) Release hydraulic pressure, allowing the M45 recoil mechanism to return to battery. (8) Repeat steps 6 and 7 two more times. (9) Remove hydraulic ram support assembly and attaching parts from the cannon and cradle assembly. (10) Remove the replenisher indicator rod clamp from the indicator rod guard (M198 only). (11) Return Howitzer to the respective travel lock position prior to exercising the recoil mechanism. 2.2 Exercising Hydrospring Recoil Mechanisms. a. General. (1) When exercising hydrospring recoil mechanisms with the oil pump M3, the replenisher is disconnected from the recoil cylinder or cradle and must be exercised independently as outlined in paragraph 2.2b below. Recoil Mechanisms cannot be exercised through the replenisher when using oil pump M3. (2) Prior to exercising, an inspection should be made to make certain that recoil mechanisms contain the correct amount as well as the right type of hydraulic fluid, in accordance with the pertinent lubrication order. (3) Exercising procedures pertinent to specific weapons are prescribed in table 2-2. NOTE The following step is not required for the Abrams tanks or M119s. (4) After exercising the recoil mechanism, stencil the date on the cannon tube using 1-inch letters. Stencil should read "Exercised month-day-year."