V. To Remove Counter-recoil Springs.
1. Close and latch trails. (Open spring-cylinder cover.)
2. Set brake and drive one spade (to secure carriage).
3. Remove breechblock (see VI.)
4. Attach spring-compressor to right spring rod (see I-7).
5. Secure single block of retracting apparatus to fixed point, such as “dead man,” driven spade, or tree. The holding power of this fixed point must be at least equivalent to a driven spade and attaching point of rope should not be higher than center of spring rod.
Note.—Sufficient slack of rope must be allowed to permit spring compressor to travel full length of spring cylinder and be detached from spring rod at front end.
6. Retract gun about 6 inches, remove split pin in spring-rod key and drive out spring-rod key with bronze drift.
7. Release retracting mechanism gradually until spring compressor rope is slack, draw spring rod out of front end of spring cylinder, and detach spring compressor.
8. Attach retracting mechanism to spring rod, right.
9. Retract spring rod about ½ inch, remove split pin, and drive out spring-rod key.
10. Release retracting mechanism gradually until spring compressor rope is slack, draw spring rod out of front end of spring-cylinder and detach spring compressor.
Note.—Assembly of counter-recoil springs is reverse of removal. The following precautions must be observed in assembling:
(a) If tension-spring compressor brings spring rod up solid against spring cylinder bushing in rear of spring cylinder, ease off rope slightly and pry up rod with bronze drift until it will enter the bushing.
(b) Before key slot enters gun lug see that keyways in spring-rods and keyways in gun lugs are in line. If not, turn spring-rod by means of drift until keyways are in line.