Connie's post scripts.

B-1 MAINTENANCE STAND

Trying to order the hand jack boot, PN 22203, listed in TM 55-1730-223-23P? Don't waste your time. It's source coded XA, so you'll have to order the next higher assembly, hydraulic hand jack, NSN 5120-01-325-3163.

LOOKING FOR MEK SUBSTITUTES?

Mechanics, don't ask "Joe" when looking for MEK substitutes or replacements. If you need assistance, contact AMCOM's Environmental Technology Cell Hotline at DSN 897-1711, [phone] or FAX [phone]. Be prepared to give what maintenance task you're doing that requires MEK. Have a TM and paragraph information ready. And it would help to know what material you're trying to clean or remove.

RADIO INSTALLATION

To find info on installing radios, read SB 11-131-1, Vehicular Sets and Authorized Installations, and SB 11-131-2, Installation of SINCGARS, FHMUX and EPLARS. You can download copies from the internet at: http://www.logsa.army.mil/etms/online.htm

M35A2/A3 Starter Switch

You won't find the 4-prong, spring-back starter switch for M35A2 and M35A3 trucks in paper versions of TM 9-2320-361-20P or TM 9-2320-386-24P. Get the switch with NSN 5930-01-334-2862. The switch is shown as Item 31 of Fig 56 in the May 01 version of TM 9-2320-386-24P on EM 0037.

Tool Kits for MCMs

Multi-capable maintainers (MCM), MOS 63A and 63M, now have their own tool kit, NSN 5180-01493-1664. It consists of the modernized General Mechanics Tool Kit (GMTK), plus the MCM supplement, which can be ordered separately with NSN 5180-01-502-6332, and it replaces the artillery tool kit. The supplement is a 5th drawer that fits in the top of the GMTK and contains 22 tools that include wire-twisting pliers, small files, brass drift punches, and sockets not in the GMTK. All the tools in the kit have a lifetime warranty. For more info, contact TACOM's Sally Mendoza at DSN 793-5288/[phone] or email: [e-mail]

REVISIT OF "SAVE OIL & MONEY"

Aviation mechanics, on Pages 48-49 of PS 610 (Sept 03), there's an article about saving leftover lubricants in plastic containers. But before you grab one for saying aviation hydraulic fluid or engine oil, AMCOM says the bottles are not authorized for aviation use. Follow the instructions for handling hydraulic fluid and engine oil like it says in your -23 maintenance and engine TMs and TM 1-1500-204-23-3.

One Wrong Digit

The difference between the AN/ALQ144A countermeasure set cover and its shipping container is just one digit. If you mix it up, you'll get the wrong item. So order NSN 5895-01-109-1800 for the cover and NSN 5895-01-109-1801 for the shipping container.

Improved HMMWV Seatbelt

Use NSN 2540-01-495-0817 to order an improved 3-point seatbelt assembly for your HMMWV. The new assembly has a longer strap with slicker material that makes retracting the belt easier.

M1-SERIES TANK GENERATORS

If you've ordered a new generator, NSN 2920-01-261-8124 or 2920-01-200-6134, for your M1-series tank, it may take a while to come in. Those generators are in very short supply. Your best bet is to cancel the requisition and order generator, NSN 2920-01-305-8419, which is in stock. You'll also need an installation kit, NSN 2920-01-472-6308, to mount the generator.

MINI-IR THERMAL IMAGER

There is a helmet-mounted mini-infrared imager, NSN 5855-01-501-9529, available in the supply system. Small enough for a BDU pocket, it comes with a tripod, lens cover, 2 AA lithium batteries, operator's manual, lens cleaning paper and soft case.

M88A1 QUICK DISCONNECT

Some quick disconnect (QD) coupling halves, NSN 4730-00-905-6355, for the M88A1 recovery vehicle were issued without an internal check valve installed. No check valve means the QDs leak when they're disconnected. Check your stock for any QDs under contract #SPO750-03-M-B098. If you find any, email an SF 364, Supply Discrepancy Report, for credit and disposition instructions to: [e-mail]

Bradley 2W78 PLGR Cable

Use NSN 6150-01-501-3101 to get a new 2W78 PLGR cable for your M2A3/M3A3 Bradley. The NSN shown as Item 27 in Fig 144 of TM 9-2350-294-24P-2 is no longer available.

TAN M1102 TRAILER COVER

Use NSN 2540-01-493-7897 to get a desert (tan color) camouflage cover for the M1102 high mobility trailer. Jot this NSN down until it's added to Fig 16 of TM 9-2330-392-14&P.

DISTRIBUTION: To be distributed in accordance with the initial distribution number (IDN) 340312, requirements for TB 43-PS-Series.

Would You Stake Your Life right now on the Condition of Your Equipment?