V. Inspections and Maintenance | FM 18-18: Crew Drill, Gun Motor Carriage, M36 - Field Manual, U.S. War Department, December 1944 (Lone Sentry)

Section V
INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE

26. GENERAL. a. The destroyer commander is responsible for seeing that all inspections are made. He receives reports from the various crew members relative to their individual inspections, and he indicates in his report anything requiring the service of maintenance personnel. In supervising first-echelon maintenance, he uses his discretion in delegating additional responsibilities to other crew members.

b. Inspection covers all individual equipment and weapons, vehicular equipment and weapons, and mechanical features of the vehicle. Checks of instruments, lights, siren, track, suspension system, and engine performance are made in accordance with provisions of the appropriate Technical Manual; the driver fills in his Driver's Report indicating required maintenance work. The Driver's Report should be carefully and thoroughly prepared. Any irregularity noted and entered on the report, which is not repaired before the destroyer is used again, should be re- entered continually on the report until it has been properly taken care of.

27. BEFORE OPERATION INSPECTION. Destroyer is locked and covered by a tarpaulin. (For training purposes, the inspection is divided into two phases. Crew members secure tools as needed, report and correct deficiencies as found. The turret is traversed as necessary to facilitate the various operations.)

PHASE A

Destroyer Commander	Gunner	Assistant Gunner	Assistant Driver	Driver
Commands: FALL IN: PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.
Inspects crew.	Stands inspection.	Stands inspection.	Stands inspection.	Stands inspection.
Commands: PREPARE FOR BEFORE OPERATION INSPECTION.
Unties right side of tarpaulin.	Mounts right rear; helps fold tarpaulin.	Mounts left front; helps fold tarpaulin.	Mounts right front; helps fold tarpaulin.	Unties left side of tarpaulin. Checks windshield. Lays tarpaulin on right side of destroyer.
Removes muzzle cover and hands it to assistant driver.		Removes and stows MG cover.	Stows muzzle cover.
Helps lay out tarpaulin and tools. Supervises inspections by other crew members.	Hands tools to driver.	Removes and stows breech cover.	Hands tools to gunner.	Lays out tools on tarpaulin. Begins trip ticket; fills out during inspection.
Takes dismounted post and commands: REPORT.	Takes dismounted post. Reports "No. 1 ready."	Takes dismounted post. Reports "No. 2 ready."	Takes dismounted post. Reports "No. 3 ready,"	Takes dismounted post. Reports No. 4 ready."

PHASE B

Destroyer Commander	Gunner	Assistant Gunner	Assistant Driver	Driver
Commands: PERFORM BEFORE OPERATION INSPECTION.
Makes visual inspection for: Final drive leaks. Faulty drive sprockets. Dead blocks. Unusual wear of bogie wheels and support rollers. Completeness of pioneer equipment. Disengages gun traveling rest lock. Mounts rear of destroyer. Checks following: Stowage in turret. Binoculars. Flag set. Panel set. Canteens. Folding canvas bucket. Decontaminator.	Checks following: Tube. Recoil oil. Gun tools and spare parts. Elevates tube out of traveling rest lock. Checks sight adjustment. Checks gunner's quadrant. Traverses turret 90° to right to check: Manual mechanism. Power mechanism. Azimuth indicator. Opens breech. Checks bore. Closes breech. Checks manual firing mechanism. Cocks piece. Turns on firing switch. Checks electrical firing mechanism.	Mounts. Under right subfloor, checks: Rations. Pyrotechnics. Water cans. Stove. Hull drain valves. Machine gun ammunition and spare parts. Turns on master battery switch. Opens fuel valves. Disengages gun travel lock. Checks portable fire extinguisher. Checks and starts auxiliary generator. (Runs generator while power traversing mechanism is operated.) Checks flashlight. Checks rammer staff. Checks stowage of 90-mm ammunition.	On right side, checks: Front towing shackle. Fender. Final drive. Tow cable. Sees that drive sprocket, idler wheel, bogie wheel, and support roller assembly and mounting nuts are present and secure. Inspects track for damage, loose connectors and wedge nuts. Checks track tension. Examines volute springs and bogie units for security. Checks following: Rear towing shackle. Security of pioneer equipment. Pintle. Mounts rear of destroyer. Checks right fuel tanks. Helps open top engine compartment doors. On right side, checks: Anchorage of auxiliary generator. For fuel and oil leaks. Cooling system. Air cleaner. Belts and accessories. Generator. Accessory drive oil level. Helps close engine compartment.	On left side checks: Front towing shackle. Fender. Final drive. Sees that drive sprocket, idler wheel, bogie wheel, and support roller assembly and mounting nuts are present and secure. Inspects track for damage, loose connectors and wedge nuts. Checks track tension. Examines volute springs and bogie units for security. Checks rear towing shackle. Looks under vehicle for fuel, oil, coolant, and gear oil leaks. Mounts rear of destroyer. Checks left fuel tanks. Opens top engine compartment doors. On left side, checks: Engine oil level.* For fuel and oil leaks. Fuel filter for security. Cooling system. Air cleaner. Crank case breather. Belts and accessories. Generator. Accessory drive oil level. Control linkage. Closes engine compartment.
	Traverses gun to the front. Checks flashlight. Checks sightlight.	Under left subfloor, checks: Batteries. Fixed fire extinguishers. Vehicle manuals. Hull drain valves. Water can.	Opens and hooks assistant driver's compartment hatch. Enters compartment. Turns on master radio battery switch.	Opens and hooks driver's compartment hatch. Enters compartment. Checks instruments. (See TM 9-758.)
Connects breakaway plugs. Checks radio and interphone operation.	Connects breakaway plugs. Checks radio and interphone operation.	Connects breakaway plugs. Checks radio and interphone operation.	Connects breakaway plugs. Checks radio and interphone operation.	Connects breakaway plugs. Checks radio and interphone operation.
Disconnects breakaway plugs.	Disconnects breakaway plugs.	Disconnects breakaway plugs.	Disconnects breakaway plugs.	Disconnects breakaway plugs.
Dismounts. Applies tape muzzle cover.			Checks following: Transmission oil level. Transmission and differential vents. Escape hatch. Compass. Trigger-type oiler. Decontaminator. Periscopes and spare heads.	Checks fire extinguisher. Checks flashlight. Puts gearshift in neutral. Checks primer pump. Starts engine. Checks following: Instruments. Siren. First-aid kit. Throttles. Steering linkage.
Removes headlight socket protector plugs.			Releases headlight lock. Hands headlight to destroyer commander.	Releases headlight lock. Hands headlight to destroyer commander.
Installs and checks headlights.				Operates light switch for destroyer commander to check lights.
Removes headlights and hands to assistant driver and driver. Replaces headlight socket protector plugs.			Releases headlight lock. Stows headlight. Locks headlight lock.	Releases headlight lock. Stows headlight. Locks headlight lock.
Directs driver to move destroyer forward one vehicle length. Checks for dead blocks. Checks functioning of suspension system.	Elevates tube. Traverses tube 180° to left. Traverses tube to front. Locks travel lock.	Receives and stows tools.	Dismounts and closes hatch. Replaces tools in tool bag. Hands tools to assistant gunner.	Checks engine warm up. Checks magnetos. Moves destroyer forward as directed by destroyer commander.
Helps fold tarpaulin.	Helps stow tarpaulin.	Stows tarpaulin.	Folds tarpaulin, and hands to assistant gunner.	Turns off engine. Checks for accident report. WD, AGO Form 478, WD Form 48, lubrication order, and driver's permit. Completes before operation phase of trip ticket.
Takes dismounted post.	Takes dismounted post.	Takes dismounted post.	Takes dismounted post.	Takes dismounted post.
Commands: REPORT.
	Reports "No. 1 ready."	Reports "No. 2 ready. ... rounds of ammunition."	Reports "No. 3 ready."	Reports "No. 4 ready. ... tanks of fuel.

*On older models bottom engine compartment door must be opene to cheek engine oil level.

28. INSPECTION DURING OPERATION. This is a continuous process for all crew members.

Destroyer
Commander

Gunner

Assistant
Gunner

Assistant
Driver

Driver

Remains alert for unusual noises or conditions.

Checks following:

Travel lock.

Elevating mechanism.

Traversing mechanism.

Turret lock.

Fire controls.

Is alert for unusual noises.

Checks security of AA gun.

Checks stowage of equipment in turret.

Listens for unusual noises.

Checks following:

Steering brakes.

Clutch.

Transmission.

Engine and controls.

Instruments.

Running gear.

29. INSPECTION AT HALT. The length of the halt determines how much of the following inspection will be completed and the normal priority of operation. The destroyer commander will be informed of the length of the halt and will indicate how much time is to be allotted to inspection and how much for relief of the crew members. (During the inspection, the turret is traversed as necessary to facilitate those operations requiring it.)

Destroyer Commander	Gunner	Assistant Gunner	Assistant Driver	Driver
Commands: PERFORM HALT INSPECTION.
Disconnects breakaway plugs. Supervises halt inspection. On right side checks following: Final driver for overheating and oil leaks. Fender. Front towing connection. Towing cable.	Disconnects breakaway plugs. Checks following: Elevating mechanism. Sight adjustment. Firing controls. Gun and mount. Disengages turret lock. Traverses turret 90° to left checking hand and power traverse.	Disconnects breakaway plugs. Releases travel lock. Checks following: AA gun operation and security. Ammunition. Stowage of equipment in turret.	Disconnects breakaway plugs. Checks radio for security of mounting. Checks radio antenna. Turns on radio speaker and operates radio. Checks escape hatch. Cleans periscopes. Checks differential and transmission vents.	Disconnects breakaway plugs. Idles engine. (Operates 4 to 5 minutes before stopping.) Checks instruments. Examines compartment for oil leaks. Dismounts and closes hatch. On left side, checks following: Final drive for overheating and oil leaks. Fender. Front towing connection.
Hand-feels sprocket, idler, bogie wheels, and support roller hubs for abnormal temperature.				Hand-feels sprocket, idler, bogie wheels, and support rollers for abnormal temperature.
Inspects volute springs and bogie suspension units for looseness or damage. Removes stones and other foreign objects lodged in suspension system or between tracks and suspension units. Examines sprocket, idler, and bogie wheel, and roller assembly and mounting nuts for tightness and presence. Checks track, track wheels, tires and idlers for damage and security. Checks track tension. Inspects hull for damage. Checks stowage of tarpaulin. Checks pioneer equipment. Checks under destroyer for leaks. Checks fuel in right tank.				Inspects volute springs and bogie suspension units for looseness and damage. Removes stones and other foreign objects lodged in suspension system or between tracks and suspension units. Examines sprocket, idler, and bogie wheel, and roller assembly and mounting nuts for tightness and presence. Checks track, track wheels, tires, and idlers for damage and security. Checks track tension. Inspects hull for damage. Checks windshield.
				Checks fuel in left tanks. Checks water.
Helps open engine compartment.				Opens engine compartment. Listens to engine operation.
			Stops engine. Checks transmission oil level.	Directs assistant driver to stop engine. Checks for fuel and oil leaks in engine compartment. Checks air cleaners, breather caps, carburetor, and auxiliary generator. Examines engine accessories and attachments to be sure they are secure, properly aligned and that drive belts are in good condition and tension satisfactory. Checks engine oil level.
Helps driver close engine compartment doors.	Traverses gun to front.			Closes engine compartment doors.
				Opens hatch. Enters driver's compartment.
Helps check lights. Mounts destroyer.	Engages turret lock.			Checks following: Lights. Steering linkage. Gear shift lever. Parking brake. Clutch free travel.
Connects breakaway plugs.	Connects breakaway plugs.	Connects breakaway plugs.	Turns off radio speaker and connects breakaway plugs.	Connects breakaway plugs.
Checks radio and interphone operation.	Checks radio and interphone operation.	Checks radio and interphone operation.	Checks radio and interphone operation.	Checks radio and interphone operation.
Commands: REPORT.
	Reports "No. 1 ready."	Reports "No. 2 ready � rounds of ammunition."	Reports "No. 3 ready."	Reports "No. 4 ready. � tanks of fuel."

30. AFTER OPERATION MAINTENANCE. a. After operation the destroyer is immediately given whatever servicing and maintenance is needed to prepare it in every way for further sustained action. This servicing covers all the points listed in the "Before Operation Inspection" and covers them in the same order with obvious modifications. (For example, the destroyer is locked at the end of the inspection instead of being unlocked as at the beginning; the check for leaks under the destroyer is more effective after it has stood for awhile; battery switches are turned off rather than on, and only after all checks requiring use of battery power are completed; equipment is covered and stowed, rather than being uncovered and made ready for use.)

b. The destroyer will be completely cleaned, serviced, and replenished (fuel, oil, grease, ammunition, first-aid kit, water, and rations). All special precautions against fire will be observed while refueling. Crew members will perform the following additional operations not covered in the "Before Operation Inspection."

Destroyer
Commander

Gunner

Assistant
Gunner

Assistant
Driver

Driver

Supervises crew members, giving assistance as needed.

Cleans all weapons with help of other crew members.

Assembles rammer staff.

Helps gunner.

Cleans interior of Destroyer.

Checks propeller shaft for loose or missing parts.

Inspects and cleans electrical wiring in turret.

Checks and cleans radio.

Checks and cleans periscopes.

Helps driver.

Helps clean weapons after completing assistance to driver.

Checks radio noise suppression bonds, clips, straps, filters, condensers and suppressors.

Idles engine 4 to 5 minutes to check operation before stopping.

Cleans windshield.

Cleans outside of destroyer, including track and suspension system.

Performs services indicated on lubrication order.

Looks for worn or disconnected engine control linkage.

Examines armor plate.

Tightens all loose mountings and assembly nuts.

Checks trip ticket and turns it in to platoon leader.

Completes trip ticket and hands it to destroyer commander.

31. PERIODIC ADDITIONAL SERVICES. Services performed weekly in garrison. In combat and on maneuvers they are performed after each field operation. Turret is traversed as needed to perform various operations.

Destroyer Commander	Gunner	Assistant Gunner	Assistant Driver	Driver
Commands: FALL IN: PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.
	Stands inspection.	Stands inspection.	Stands inspection.	Stands inspection.
Commands: PERFORM PERIODIC INSPECTION.
	Performs services on gun and traversing mechanism indicated on lubrication order. Cleans weapons. Helps clean interior of destroyer.	Cleans batteries and cases. Tests batteries with hydrometer. Brings cells to proper water level. Operates auxiliary generator to charge batteries. Cleans interior of destroyer. Cleans tools.	Mounts rear of destroyer. Helps open engine compartment door. Helps clean engine compartment. Helps close engine compartment door. Helps clean suspension system. Tightens all wedge nuts on right side. Tightens sprocket and hub retaining nuts. Tightens idler nuts. Helps driver perform lubrication services.	Mounts rear of destroyer. Opens engine compartment door. Cleans engine compartment. Cleans insects and trash from in and around radiator core air passages. Removes the oil and breather reservoirs from the air cleaners. Cleans, adds clean oil, and reassembles. Drains and flushes fuel filter. Closes engine compartment door. Cleans suspension system and tightens all wedge nuts on left side. Tightens sprocket and hub retaining nuts. Tightens idler nuts. Performs vehicular services indicated on lubrication order.
Commands: REPORT.	Reports "No. 1 ready."	Reports "No. 2 ready."	Reports "No. 3 ready."	Reports "No. 4 ready."