TM 9-2320-279-34-3
Section II.
SERVICE AND INSPECTION
M978 Tanker Maintenance Procedures Instructions
22.2. GENERAL MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS.
a .
Refer to Figures 22-1 through 22-5 to identify M978 tanker components before beginning work.
b .
Follow these maintenance practices when working on the M978 tanker and tanker components:
To prevent explosion and fire, no smoking, flame, sparks and glowing or hot
objects are allowed within 60 ft (16 m) of vehicle.
Eye protection is required during all grinding operations.
(1) Tag and mark shims, connectors, wires, tubes, conduit, hoses, and pipes before disconnecting.
Matchmark position of fittings, components and subassemblies before removal. Identify similar
parts to ensure correct assembly and installation.
(2) Use suitable container to catch fuel when removing hoses, tubes, fittings, pipes, and
components.
(3) Drain air system before removing air-actuated components and subassemblies.
Do not use tape to close off fuel openings. Sticky surface of tape will mix with
and contaminate fuel.
(4) When a component is removed from vehicle, cover open ends of pipes, valves, and other
components. Cover open ends with caps or plugs to prevent contaminants from entering fuel
circuit.
(5) Handle and store removed components carefully.
(6) To ease assembly, lay out parts in order they are removed during disassembly.
(7) Plumbing tags are attached with wire, screws, or rivets. Do not remove or replace plumbing tags
unless missing or damaged.
(8) Inspect parts as removed for breaks, dents, cracks, surface defects, or other damage. Turn in
defective parts. Set aside good parts for later use.
(9) When unpacking items, remove all packing material, barrier paper, tape, plastic bags, and
protective caps.
(10) Replace all gaskets, packings, and seals removed during repair work. Replace all lockwire,
lockwashers, and cotter pins at time of reassembly.
(11) Remove burrs from gear teeth with fine-cut file.
(12) Remove residue and stain from bearing races with crocus cloth.
Welding and brazing operations produce heat, toxic fumes, radiation, metal slag,
and carbon particles. Welding and brazing goggles, gloves, apron or jacket, and
welders boots are required to avoid injury or death.
(13) Welding and brazing processes may be used to repair cracks in external steel parts, such as
brackets, panels, and light framework. Because of time required and chance of subsequent
failure, such repairs should be attempted only when replacement parts are unavailable. Welding
and brazing of castings and running parts or parts under great stress wiIl be done only in
emergencies.
(24) Replace broken, worn, or burned electrical wiring.
(25) Replace broken, frayed, crimped, or soft flexible hoses. Replace stripped or damaged fittings.
Replace entire connected flexible hose if fittings are damaged. Hose clamps should not crimp
hoses.
22-2
