Section III. GENERAL MAINTENANCE
45. Electrical Equipment
(4) Weak contact pressure on interlocks and
relay contacts.
a. Maximum service can be obtained from electric
machinery only when it is kept dry and clean. This is
(5) Grease and dirt on insulating materials.
especially true when copper dust, brakeshoe dust, or
(6) Worn or burned contactors.
other metallic matter may collect in or about the
(7) Loose terminals and connections.
apparatus. Blow out all apparatus periodically using dry
(8) Broken insulators.
compressed air and wipe off parts accessible with clean
b. When painting control equipment use insulating
wiping rags. Washed wiping rags are preferable to
varnish as specified in paragraph 45d.
cotton waste as they are less liable to leave lint. When
using air for cleaning in the vicinity of exposed mica
47. Running Gear and Auxiliaries
insulation, do not use too high pressure as small flakes
Inspect the trucks and other parts of the running
of mica will be blown off, finally resulting in complete
gear equipment as frequently as service conditions may
destruction of the insulation.
require for loose and missing bolts and nuts, worn
b. Oil is very destructive to insulating materials as
it collects dust and dirt causing them to break down
and gear cases, broken springs, etc.
electrically. When lubricating apparatus take extreme
care to prevent the lubricant from getting on insulated
48. Water Cooling System
parts and if any does get on thoroughly wipe off with
a. Before filling the system be sure that the drain
clean wiping rags.
valves and drain cocks are closed. Use only clean, soft
c. Keep all screws, bolts, and nuts which secure
water as free as possible from scale forming minerals.
electrical connections clean and tight to insure good
If it is impossible to obtain soft water, treat the available
contact. When making a ground connection, thoroughly
water with some commercial water softener.
clean the surface to which connection is to be made of
b. Replenish the water supply as required to make
all dirt, paint or rust to assure good electrical contact.
up the loss from leakage and evaporation.
d Paint all cables exposed to dirt and moisture,
c. The cooling system is drained by opening all
especially where creepage is important, with electrical-
drain valves and shutoff valves wherever they occur in
insulation varnish conforming to Military Specification
the water piping. Make sure that all parts of the system,
MILV-1137A. This varnish has high insulating qualities
including engine block and any water cooled auxiliaries
and gives a smooth surface which is easily cleaned.
are drained. Refer to TM 55-1046 for instructions for
draining the engine.
46. Control Equipment
d. Drain the cooling system periodically to remove
a. Check control equipment periodically for:
the dirt and sediment which accumulates. This should
(1) Loose nuts and screws.
be done at the end of the day's run when all the material
(2) Cotter pins missing or not split.
is in suspension and will drain with the liquid.
(3) Broken or weak springs.
Section IV. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
required from every man regularly
49. Inspection
operating the unit.
a. Daily Reports
(2) The report will cover any special features
(1) Reports by the locomotive operator will be
noticed: such as air leaks, tight brakes,
prepared on DA Form 55-226. They
improper functioning of meters and
serve as the only means for indicating the
gauges, unusual engine noises, exhaust
proper functioning of the equipment.
leaks and exhaust appearance, oil leaks,
These reports will be thorough and are
lubricating oil added, any work
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