TM-9-2350-277-40&P Sustainment Maintenance Manual M113A3 M577A3 M1064A3 M1068A3 M58 Download
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CLEANING General Cleaning Cleaning is very important. All parts must be cleaned well and kept clean during maintenance. Dirt or foreign matter can cause malfunctions and equipment failure. General cleaning procedures are detailed in the following steps. Special cleaning procedures are covered in the task relating to the specific part. Clean after repair and before assembly. WARNING Air pressure in excess of 30 psi (207 kPa) can injure personnel. Do not direct pressurized air at yourself or others. Always wear goggles. CAUTION Lye or caustic substances will damage metal surfaces. Do not use lye or caustic mixtures to clean metal surfaces. CAUTION Cleaning solvent causes leather, rubber, and synthetic materials to become brittle. Do not use cleaning solvent to clean seals, cables, and flexible hoses. 1. Clean every part well after disassembly and before assembly or installation. Clean parts such as housings, covers, and dipsticks before disassembly. Avoid getting dirt and foreign matter in a system. Inspect and cap all air and fluid openings, lines, and hoses. 2. Use care when handling parts during cleaning and maintenance. Nicks, scratches, dents, and burrs can prevent proper assembly or cause malfunctions after assembly. Keep hands free of grease. Grease collects dirt. Cover or wrap parts to protect from dirt. 3. Except where specially called for in a task, don't use abrasives, files, wire brushes, or sharp tools. On some surfaces, finish is important to the operation of close fitting parts. 4. Remove gum or old grease deposits by soaking parts in cleaning compound. Scrub with a brush. Use crocus cloth to remove minor surface defects. 5. If steam cleaning is used, dry parts at once with compressed air. Apply a thin film of clean oil to surfaces that are not painted to prevent rusting. Never use lye of caustic mixtures that will corrode or etch metal surfaces. 6. Lubrication of new bearings, see TM 9-214 for cleaning and lubrication procedures. Bearings that have been in service should also be lubricated. 7. Castings. a. Clean inner and outer surfaces of casting with cleaning compound. Dry casting with compressed air. b. Remove sludge and gum deposits with a brush. c. Blow out all tapped holes and armor mounting inserts with compressed air. 8. Bearings require special cleaning techniques, see TM 9-214 for cleaning and maintenance procedures for ball bearings. TM 9-2350-277-40&P 0004 0004‐5