The secrets for deconning success.

Dear Editor,

Through trial and error, every chemical company learns the tricks of getting the most out of their M17 decons. These are our secrets for successful deconning:

* Heavy carbon buildup in the igniter tube can ground out the spark plug and burn out the igniter. Then you can't decon until the igniter is replaced. To avoid that, take apart the Igniter tube every six months and clean out all the carbon with a wire brush.

*Before going on a mission, make sure the engine spark plug gap is between .035 and .040 Inch (.020 to .035 inch For the M17/M17A1) with your gap gauge. If the gap is wider, you'll have trouble starting. If the gap is too wide, gently bend the electrodes down until the gauge fits snugly between the electrodes. If the gap is too small, use your flat-tip screwdriver to gently pry open the gap. Then check the gap for the correct clearnace. If you have the new wire gap setting tool, NSN 5120-00-278-1248, it has a notched blade For adjusting the gap.

* If you have trouble starting the M17, take off the air filter. That lets the decon suck in more air, which sometimes is enough to get it started. Put the air filter back on as soon as it does start. Starting is easier when you keep the air filter clean, too. Every six months we clean the filter with dry cleaning solvent.

* Tie off the burner fuel hose to the frame so it doesn't stick out far enough to hit the flywheel belt. The belt will cut a hole in the hose and the hose will leak. Then you've got a fire hazard.

* If fuel comes out the exhaust, don't panic. Sometimes the M17 gets too much fuel in engine during startup and it's blown out the exhaust. After running 30 minutes, your M17 should stop blowing out fuel. If it doesn't stop, then it's time to tell your repairman.

MSGT Kenneth Graham

SGT Ramon Perez

SPC Yonelvi Alvarez

21st Chemical Co

Ft Bragg, NC

From the desk of the Editor

Whew, that's a lot! Good job guys.