1.

Make prestarting inspection as called for on daily report (Trip Ticket), Armored force Form No. M1.

2.

Open all doors of tank and air for 10 minutes.

3.

Check supply of water in radiator and replenish if necessary.

4.

Close battery switch. Check voltmeter (24 to 29 volts).
Check ammeter. Should not show discharge.

5.

Open fuel supply values.

6.

Turn engine over several times with starter with ignition switch closed. If engine turns over freely, proceed to next step of starting. If engine does not turn freely a hydrostatic lock had developed. Wait 10 minutes, then try starter again with switch off. Lock will have cleared itself by then.

7.

Pull choke lever back all the way. Do not leave the choke lever in full choked position for more than 2 engine revolutions. Always partially close the moment engine fires.

8.

Pull hand throttle lever out about 1/2 inch. Push clutch pedal in fully and hold until engine starts. Be sure shifting lever is in neutral.

9.

Turn ignition switch on and press starting switch. Be sure choke lever is pushed forward to point where engine operates smoothly. Do not user starter to more than 30 seconds with allowing it to cool off for 15 seconds. Engine should start.

10.

Reverse manual turning nut on full flow oil filter and note whether filter motor operates.

11.

If oil pressure does not reach 40 lbs. in 30 seconds at 1300 r.p.m., stop engine.

12.

Set hand throttle to idle at 1300 r.p.m.

13.

Warm engine at 1300 r.p.m. until engine temperature reaches 160º.

14.

If oil pressure drops below normal during warm up period, shot off engine and investigate cause.

15.

Check ammeter and voltmeter and keep a careful check of water temperature of each engine.

16.

As long as exhaust stack temperature signals remain lighted, the engine must be operated at 1300 r.p.m. Drive vehicle in 3rd gear at this speed until all stacks clear and all stack signals are automatically switched off. This engine warm-up period with the vehicle in operation also warms the transmission oil.

17.

Watch all instruments carefully.

18.

Tachometer - Run under load at 2500 to 2900 r.p.m. Idle at halt at 750 r.p.m. If idling at half for more than 5 minutes, idle at 1000 r.p.m.

19.

Oil pressure - 35 to 50 lbs. at operating speeds. Stop engine if below 35 lbs.

20.

Ammeter - should not show discharge.

21.

Keep foot off clutch pedal except when shifting.

22.

Shift with steady pressure on gear shift levers. Don't jerk or force.

23.

Keep hands off steering levers except when turning. No grandstanding stops!

24.

Drive safely. Remembers the gunner.

25.

A halt is a maintenance period. Inspect your tank.

26.

Open throttle to 1200 r.p.m. and shut off ignition switch. This clears stacks of all gases.

27.

Open main battery switch.

28.

Close fuel shut-off values.

Reproduced by 3rd battalion, 36th Armored Regiment.