TM-9-2320-386-10 Page 142

TM-9-2320-386-10 Operator's Manual for M44A3 Series Trucks

Page 142 of 223

TM 9-2320-386-10 2-109 2-46. OPERATION OF FORDING (DEEPWATER) KIT a. General. Salt water causes considerable damage to vehicle components. For this reason, do not drive needlessly in or through salt water. Vehicle components that do come in contact with salt water must be washed with fresh water as soon as possible. The vehi- cle will ford water up to 30 in. (76 cm) in depth without a fording kit and 72 in. (183 cm) with kit installed. WARNING Never attempt to cross water deeper than 72 in. (183 cm). Limit vehicle speed while fording to 4 mph. Failure to do so may cause vehicle to lose control, resulting in injury or death to personnel. b. Operator Preparation for Fording. (1) Tighten filler caps on battery, and fuel tank. Make sure engine oil and transmis- sion oil dipsticks are installed securely. (2) Check that filler caps on master cylinder reservoir are sealed. a. Remove filler caps from master cylinder reservoir. b. Remove rubber damper from filler caps and check for presence of sealant in air vent groove of filler caps. If sealant is not present, notify unit maintenance (3) Secure all loose objects on vehicle. c. Fording Operation. (1) Start engine (para. 2-12 or 2-13). (2) Place vehicle in motion (para. 2-15) with transfer case shift lever (2) in LOW and transmission gearshift lever (1) in “1” (first) position. Engage front wheel drive (3). (3) Maintain constant vehicle speed while fording. Try to exit water in area with gentle slope. 1 2 3