BLUF: Regular engine compartment maintenance can reduce the risk of fires in M113-series personnel carriers.
Maintainers, engine compartment fires are still happening far too often in M113-series vehicles. Many fires could be prevented just by doing regular preventive maintenance. Check out the tips below to decrease the risk of fires.
Engine Compartment Checks, Cleaning and Lubrication
- Check engine compartment gaskets, seals and covers for serviceability. Repair or replace damaged ones you find.
- Check for damaged, kinked or distorted hoses, tubes, or any line connecting assemblies for fuel, antifreeze or oil leaks.
- Replace damaged engine supply or return fuel hoses, tubes and fittings.
- Cover all air intakes in the engine compartment and openings on the engine prior to cleaning. Cover final drive couplings, filler caps and breather vents prior to high pressure cleaning. Failure to cover will lead to equipment damage.
- Remove and inspect exhaust insulators from the engine and check for oil and water saturation. Inspect the entire exhaust system for cracks, holes and serviceability.
- Inspect for missing or loose exhaust clamps and make sure exhaust clamps are properly installed.
- Clean the engine compartment and power plant, and remove all oil, dirt, mud and debris.
- Inspect all fixed fire extinguisher discharge tubes and caps in the engine compartment.
- Clean and inspect the radiator.
Note that the above items and more are in WP 0140 through WP 0145 of TM 9-2350-277-10 (Aug 22).
- Perform all the engine compartment lubrication procedures. The maintainer’s lube order is found in WP 0934 of TM 9-2350-277-23&P (Aug 22) and the operator’s lube order is found in WP 0146 of TM 9-2350-277-10 (Aug 22).
Thermostatic Fan Speed Switch (Original Configuration) or Variable Speed Fan Drive Override Switch (New Configuration)
- Inspect the variable speed fan drive (VSFD) thermostatic fan speed switch to make sure it’s functional.
- Remove and then inspect the vaneaxial fan for signs of wear and missing or damaged rotors or stators.
- Visually inspect the right-angle drive for oil leaks around both the input and output shafts. If there’s any oil leaking, replace the entire fan assembly.
Power Plant Tasks and Checks
- Inspect all electrical wires, leads and connectors for mildew, corrosion, burned and cracked or chaffed insulation.
- Check for loose connectors and pinched or loose wiring.
- Inspect and test the thermostat. Replace it if necessary.
- Inspect and adjust coolant pump belts.
- Inspect and adjust the ventilating fan and generator drive belts.
Check out TM 9-2350-277-23&P (Aug 22) for more information.