TM 5-1940-321-13&P
a. Cleaning Frequency. The four intercommunicating valves must be cleaned and lubricated
every 6 months or whenever they become difficult to operate. This procedure is performed by direct
support personnel.
Use caution when working with toluene. Toluene is a flammable and
poisonous solvent. Do not use near sparks or flame. Use outdoors or
provide adequate ventilation. Use in a confine space can cause loss of
consciousness and in extreme concentrations, death. Wipe up all spills
immediately. Remove toluene soaked towels from the work area to reduce
the concentration of toluene in the air and prevent fire. Minimize contact of
toluene with the skin. Never leave toluene soaked towels on boat fabric.
NOTE:
The craft must be deflated to clean and lubricate the intercommunicating valves.
Remove all 4 metal valve inserts from the intercommunicating valves. If the craft
does not deflate, turn the flywheels of all four intercommunicating valves to the
12 o clock (INFLATION) position.
b. Intercommunicating Valve Cleaning Procedures. Clean and lubricate the
intercommunicating valves as follows:
( 1 ) Rotate the four intercommunicating valve flywheels clockwise and
counterclockwise several times to free any sticking parts. If they cannot be
moved by hand, use the valve flywheel wrench. If the flywheel will not move
with the wrench, corrective maintenance is required. Refer to chapter 7,
( 2 ) Check and, if necessary, tighten all intercommunicating valve base nuts using
the half moon spanner as shown in figure 5-3. Do not over-tighten. If loose,
normally only a 1/4 turn will be required. Excessive force will cause the valve
base on the inside of the buoyancy tube to turn. It is mandatory to perform this
tightening operation with the buoyancy tubes inflated to boat s operating
pressure.
5-14
