Fig 45. Coupling plug in place in tank coupling. This arrangement is used when fuel tanks are brought back for filling with gun detached.
(3) Close the coupling lock ([Fig 44]), being sure to push it all the way, until it covers the ends of both cams. ([Figure 45] shows coupling lock correctly locked on coupling plug.)
(4) If the tank coupling has been removed from the hose connector, screw it on hand tight. Anti-seize compound should be applied lightly to the threads to assure a tight joint. Use wrench to tighten the coupling until it is in the position shown in [Figure 34].
d. Maintenance of tank coupling. The coupling washer, made of synthetic rubber, should be inspected frequently. If it is damaged or swollen, remove it and replace. If the coupling leaks, inspect, and if necessary, remove and replace the washer.
71. CARRIER.
a. Description and functioning. ([Fig 46]) The tank group is securely carried on the firer’s back and chest by the carrier, which includes the metal carrier frame, the canvas carrier pack, webbing straps, and cord, all of which are parts of the tank group.
(1) Carrier frame. This lightweight, tubular-metal frame is bolted to two pairs of brackets (upper and lower) on the fuel tanks. It is also bolted to the hose connector by the frame clamp, which helps support the connector. The frame is pierced by two parallel series of holes, through which the cord (lashing) of the carrier is laced.
(2) Carrier pack. This is a sheet of heavy canvas, reinforced on the tank side with strips of webbing. The smooth side of the carrier pack rests against the firer’s back and cushions the back from contact with the metal tanks. A series of eyelets is located on each side of the pack.
(3) Seine cord (lashing). The carrier pack is fastened to the carrier frame by means of hard-braided cord which is laced through the eyelets in the pack and the holes in the frame. The cord that comes on the flame thrower stretches very little under load.
(4) Straps. The straps, made of wide cotton webbing, are adjustable to fit the wearer. ([Fig 18]) They are provided with snap release, hook-and-eye, and snap fasteners. The shoulder straps have quick-release fasteners for rapid removal, if necessary, of the tank group from the firer. The upper ends (steel loops) of the shoulder straps are secured by pins to the steel support which connects the two fuel tanks. Each of the pins is held in position by a split cotter pin, which is inserted through a hole in the pin and is then spread. The lower ends of the shoulder straps snap onto metal loops at the bottom of the carrier frame. The upper body straps are attached to metal loops on each side of the carrier frame. The lower body straps are fastened to one of the lower two pairs of eyelets of the carrier pack.