TM 5-1940-321-13&P
g. Remove and Replace the Keel Valve. This corrective maintenance procedure is performed
by direct support personnel. Keel valve removal and replacement is only performed when the valve
threads are damaged or other conditions exist which cannot be repaired. Before removing and replacing
the keel valve, verify that the problem cannot be corrected by servicing the valve while it is installed in the
keel. For servicing the keel valve, refer to figure 7-19 and the following paragraphs in their respective
chapters.
Cleaning, paragraph 5-14
Leak Corrective Maintenance, paragraph 7-10
Replacing Inner Neoprene Gasket, paragraph 7-18f
Removing and replacing the keel valve base requires cutting the keel fabric which then must be repaired
by applying inner and outer patches. A thorough knowledge of the Appendix F fabric repair procedures is
required. Use the following procedure:
( 1 ) With the keel inflated, loosen the keel valve base nut using a collar nut spanner as
shown in figure 7-20.
( 2 ) Referring to figure 7-19, remove the metal valve insert and then the valve base nut.
( 3 ) Make an incision in the fabric near the keel valve. Do not cut closer than 6 inches
to the keel valve hole.
7-29