(2) Nipples. The hose nipple, tank end, connects the hose to the tank coupling on the tank group. The hose nipple, gun end, is a threaded connector between the other end of the hose and the fuel-valve body.
b. Removal of fuel-hose assembly. Remove the hose from the gun only when necessary for maintenance. The threads in the fuel-valve body will be damaged by frequent screwing and unscrewing of the hose because the body is a lightweight aluminum casting. Fuel hose is replaced as a unit and is not disassembled in the second echelon. To disconnect from tank group, see Paragraph [70 b].
c. Installation of fuel-hose assembly.
(1) To install in tank group, see Paragraph [70 c].
(2) To install in gun, apply anti-seize compound (from service kit) lightly to threads and screw hose in fuel-valve body by hand. Use wrench only enough to make a secure connection.
d. Maintenance of fuel-hose assembly. If the hose nipple, tank end, is badly nicked and does not provide a tight connection with a new coupling washer ([Par 70]):
(1) File the end surface, being careful to keep the surface at a right angle to the sides of the nipple.
(2) Couple hose nipple, tank end, to tank coupling. If coupling closes very easily, indicating washer is not being compressed, replace the washer and recouple. If coupling still closes too freely, the nipple has been filed too short, and the fuel-hose assembly should be replaced as a unit.
74. VALVE GRIP.
a. Description and functioning. ([Fig 47]) The valve grip is part of the fuel valve. It includes the controls and is held by the firer in his right hand to support the gun group. Parts of the valve grip are: