Claw cleaning critical.

Mechanics, when you pull the powerpack in your M88A1 recovery vehicle for scheduled services, pay special attention to the engine mounting bracket, NSN 5340-00-752-7607.

The bracket is a claw-like device that clutches the bottom of the powerpack and holds it to the hull.

Problem is, dirt and oil from the bottom of the engine compartment collect on the mount and keep it from opening or closing completely.

You don't want that to happen when you try to reinstall the powerpack. The powerpack won't lock down because it's sitting on top of a mounting bracket that's still partially closed, and the PTO shaft won't line up. That means the transmission won't engage and you're going nowhere fast.

And don't even think about trying to open the mounting bracket with the powerpack sitting on it partially closed. That just breaks the $400 bracket. Plus, you'll still have to pull the powerpack again to replace the bracket.

So save yourself lots of time, money and aggravation the next time you pull the powerpack. Clean the engine mounting bracket thoroughly. Use a nylon brush to clean off heavy dirt and oil. Then use the engine mount release to make sure the bracket opens and closes completely before reinstalling the powerpack.

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