i. Shoulder and body straps. Adjust straps to fit firer. (Pars [19] and [71]) A loose tank group can cause discomfort or injury when the wearer changes positions while on a mission. Check presence and condition of the two pins and two cotter pins which hold shoulder straps to steel support. Check fasteners.
52. BEFORE-OPERATION SERVICE OF GUN GROUP.
The following services are to be performed before filling, charging, and loading with pressure, fuel, and ignition cylinder:
a. Hose nipple, tank end. Examine to be sure nipple is clean and not badly nicked. If badly nicked, the nipple may not make a tight seal at the tank coupling. A leak and loss of pressure may result. See Paragraph [73 d] for repair of the nipple.
b. Fuel hose. Examine surface of hose for cracks or other signs of deterioration. Special attention should be paid to portions adjacent to the gun and tank coupling, which are subjected to severe flexing. If hose is defective, replace. ([Par 73 b, c]) Do not patch.
c. Hose nipple, gun end. Check tightness of threaded connection between hose and fuel-valve body, using hand or very light wrench pressure.
d. Shield. Remove ignition shield. Check cleanliness of threads on shield and on ignition-head body. If not clean, use cloth. When reassembling ([Par 18 c]), shield should turn freely until it locks in correct position.
e. Valve lever and needle.
(1) There should be some play in the valve lever. To test, remove ignition shield. Compress grip safety and valve lever slowly, observing the motion of the valve needle. The valve lever should move approximately 1/16 inch before the needle begins to move.