CHAPTER 89

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS – M1A1 AIM SA ABRAMS TANK

89.1 This chapter provides basic and specific cleaning requirements for selected vehicles. Where there is a specific requirement or need to highlight particular problem areas detailed cleaning guides are provided as tables and figures in this chapter.

89.2 M1A1 Abrams tanks are very complex pieces of machinery. While all contamination and QRM must be removed, the main areas of concern are:

a. external areas;

b. rear external areas;

c. turret and bustle;

d. external auxiliary power unit (EAPU);

e. FBCB2 and GPS;

f. gun mantlet and MRS;

g. tracks, road wheels, rollers and armoured skirt;

h. hydraulic and electrical cables;

i. underneath vehicles;

j. engine air filter assembly;

k. engine bay;

l. power pack (engine and transmission);

m. internal areas;

n. tarpaulins; and

o. camouflage nets.

89.3 All points are not specific to all Abrams.

External Areas

89.4 The cleaning instructions for the external areas of the M1A1 Abrams, as illustrated in Figures 89-1 to 89-9, include the points detailed in Table 89-1.

Figure 89-1: M1A1 Abrams External Areas

Figure 89-2: M1A1 Abrams Gunner's Primary Sight

Figure 89-3: M1A1 Abrams Drivers Hatch

Figure 89-4: M1A1 Abrams Head Lights and Mounts

Figure 89-5: M1A1 Abrams Tracks and Ballistic Skirts (Left), Ballistic Skirt and Mud Guard

(Right)

Figure 89-6: M1A1 Abrams Roller Ballistic Skirt Locking Pins Assembly (Left) & Ballistic

Skirt Hinge (Right)

Figure 89-7: M1A1 Abrams Armoured Fuel Covers

Figure 89-8: M1A1 Abrams Tool Stowage Boxes, (Left) Sponson Bin (right) Hull Stowage Bin

Figure 89-9: M1A1 Abrams Fuel Cap Covers (4 per Vehicle)

Table 89-1: Cleaning Instructions for the Vehicle’s External Areas

EXTREME CAUTION Ballistic Skirt 

There are 2 doors per hinge. Ensure only one door is open per hinge at any one time. Two open doors can snap the hinge resulting in the

extremely heavy ballistic skirt falling 

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 All CES are to be removed and cleaned.

2 Pressure-wash the exterior of the vehicle to remove all dust and dirt.

3 The hull is to be cleaned using flexible nozzle high-pressure water cleaning equipment. Particular attention is to be paid to small apertures which may act as reservoirs for soil, insect, snails and plant material. Additionally, check that no animals are hiding or nesting within the hull.

4 Mounting points are to be disconnected, if necessary, to facilitate cleaning.

5 Lights and periscopes are to be cleaned of all soil, plant and insect debris. Damaged lights and mirrors are to be removed to facilitate cleaning behind them to ensure there is no soil, plant and insect matter (refer Figure 89-4).

6 The power pack, Air intake pre-cleaner and oil cooler fan screens are to be cleaned of all seeds, plants, soil and insect matter.

7 EXTREME CAUTION - Ballistic Skirt - There are 2 doors per hinge. Ensure only one door is open per hinge at any one time. Two open doors can snap the hinge resulting in the extremely heavy ballistic skirt falling.

8 Side ballistic skirts (refer to Figure 89-5) – refer to “Tracks, Road Wheels, Rollers and Ballistic Skirts” below.

9 All swivel pins and lock pins are to be cleaned of all grease and soil debris (refer Figure 89-6).

10 All toolboxes and attachment points are to be cleaned of all soil, plant and insect matter. It may be necessary to remove the attachment points to ensure no soil is trapped underneath (see Figure 89-8).

11 Fuel cap covers need to be cleaned and the rubber seal inspected to ensure they are free of QRM (see Figure 89-9).

Rear External Areas

89.5 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 ABRAMS rear external areas, as illustrated in Figures 89-10 to 89-15, include the points detailed in Table 89-2.

Figure 89-10: M1A1 Abrams Rear External Areas

Figure 89-11: M1A1 Abrams Rear Exhaust Grills (With Heat Deflector Fitted)

Figure 89-12: M1A1 Abrams Rear Exhaust Grill Doors Opened

Figure 89-13: M1A1 Abrams The rear deck features engine air inlet grilles and various

access hatches

Figure 89–14: M1A1 Abrams Rear Light Fitting

Figure 89-15: M1A1 Abrams Telephone and Power Connector (Left) and Rear Tail Lights

and Mounts (Right)

Table 89-2: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams Rear External Areas

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 All CES items are to be removed and cleaned; all toolboxes and attachment points are to be cleaned of all soil, plant and insect matter. It may be necessary to remove the camouflage pole stowage racks, the Jerry can bracket, and other CES racks and brackets to ensure no soil is trapped underneath (refer Figure 89-10).

2 The rear exhaust grill doors are to be opened and grilles are to be cleaned and free of QRM (refer Figures 89-11 and 89-12). CAUTION: spraying hot exhaust grills with water can cause metal fatigue and cracks

3 All rear deck engine access hatches (right and left grille doors, pre-cleaner doors and the engine access cover) are to be externally cleaned and free of QRM. The inside compartments are to be also cleaned (refer Figure 89-13).

4 Lights are to be cleaned of all soil, plant and insect debris. Damaged lights are to be removed to facilitate cleaning behind them to ensure that there is no soil, plant and insect matter (refer Figure 89-14).

5 The telephone and power connector box is to be cleaned to ensure it is free of QRM (refer Figure 89-15).

CAUTION Exhaust Grills 

Spraying hot exhaust grills with water can cause metal fatigue and cracks 

Turret and Bustle

89.6 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 ABRAMS turret and bustle, as illustrated in Figures 89-16 to 89-28, include the points detailed in Table 89-3.

Figure 89-16: M1A1 Abrams Turret and Bustle Rear

Figure 89-17: M1A1 Abrams Turret Front

Figure 89-18: M1A1 Abrams Turret Doors, Refrigerator (top left) and EAPU (Top Right)

Figure 89-19: M1A1 Abrams Right Side Turret and Towing Cable Mount

Figure 89-20: M1A1 Abrams Road Wheel Mount

Figure 89-21: M1A1 Abrams Tank Commanders and Loaders Hatches

Figure 89-22: M1A1 Abrams Loaders Hatch (Left) and Tank Commanders Hatch (Right)

Figure 89-23: M1A1 Abrams Tank Commanders Hatch (Left) and Commanders Gun Mount

(Right)

Figure 89-24: M1A1 Abrams Turret Bustle and Bustle Extension

Figure 89-25: M1A1 Abrams Bustle CES and refrigerator (Left) and CES and EAPU (Right)

Figure 89-26: M1A1 Abrams Turret Bustle CES Side on

Figure 89-27: M1A1 Abrams Turret Bustle – External Auxiliary Power Unit and Bustle (Top Left), Extended Rear Bustle (Top Right), Rear Bustle (Right Lower), External Auxiliary Power

Unit (Left Lower).

Figure 89-28: M1A1 Abrams M240 Grenade Launcher System (GLS)

Table 89-3: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams Rear External Areas

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 Clean all external areas of the turret ensuring it is free of QRM (see Figure 89-16).

2 Particular attention is to be made to the Extended Rear Bustle and rails areas which are to be flushed with high-pressure water ensure all soil, plant and insect matter is removed (see Figures 89-24 and 89-26 to 89-27).

3 Remove spare road wheels and clean both the wheels and the mounts/brackets (see Figure 89-20)

4 Clean all entrance points (internal and external sides) including door/hatch hinges, locks and rubber seals ensuring they are free of QRM (see Figures 89-21 to 89-23).

5 All CES items are to be removed and cleaned; all toolboxes and attachment points are to be cleaned of all soil, plant and insect matter. It may be necessary to remove the camouflage pole stowage racks, the Jerry can bracket, and other CES racks and brackets to ensure no soil is trapped underneath (see Figures 89-24 to 89-26).

6 Wooden tools are to be wiped down and inspected for insect infestation. Any item that has termite infestation is to be destroyed. Items that have borer infestation are subject to AQIS scrutiny and fumigation before return to Australia.

7 Metal tools are to be wiped clean of all soil, plant and insect matter. Degrease items as required to remove all grime and dirt, lightly oil and leave out for inspection. Tools may be re-oiled after inspection in consultation with the AQIS inspector.

8 The refrigerator external area is to be washed (see Figure 89-25). CAUTION: Care is to be taken cleaning electrical areas.

9 The refrigerator interior is to be washed out. Attention is to be given to any cooling fans or mesh inside.

10 After cleaning, the interior is to be scrubbed, sprayed inside with chlorinated water (400 parts per million) and then allowed to air dry before inspection.

11 Ensure the EAPU is cleaned (see Figure 89-25). Refer to EAPU below for cleaning instructions

12 Fuel and water Jerry cans are to be removed and holders are to be cleaned. Jerry cans to be emptied of water (see Figure 89-26).

13 Toolboxes and storage compartments are to be emptied and cleaned.

14 Rubber seals are to be cleaned of all soil, plant and insect matter.

15 Ensure the Grenade Launcher System on each side of the turret are cleaned and free of QRM (see Figure 90-12). Care is to be taken during cleaning because the launchers contain electrical contacts.

16 Canvas Grenade Launcher System covers are to be turned inside out and checked for burrs, seeds and insects;

EAPU

89.7 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 Abrams EAPU, as illustrated in Figures 89-29 and 89-30, include the points detailed in Table 89-4. Some variants have two of the fans; however, the cleaning instructions are the same.

Figure 89-29: M1A1 Abrams EAPU Top

Figure 89-30: M1A1 Abrams EAPU

EXTREME CAUTION ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS 

Do not use water or steam to clean the EAPU of the M1A1 Abrams tanks – Use air clean only and only under the supervision of a qualified

technician 

Table 89-4: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams EAPU

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 Remove the external ballistic cover for the fan assembly from its mounting on the hull (refer Figure 89-29).

2 Clean the mesh-screen and remove any build up on the inside of the ballistic cover.

0.2

3 Do not use water or steam to clean the EAPU of the M1A1 Abrams tanks – Use air clean only and only under the supervision of a qualified technician

4 Clean or change air filter 0.5

Force Tracker and GPS

89.8 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 ABRAMS’ FBCB2 and GPS, as illustrated in Figure 89-31, include the point detailed in Table 89-5.

Figure 89-31: M1A1 Abrams’ FBCB2 and GPS (Green Cover Right Photo)

EXTREME CAUTION ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS 

Do not use water or steam to clean the FBCB2 and GPS of the M1A1 Abrams tanks – Use air clean only and only under the supervision of a

qualified technician 

Table 89-5: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams’ Force Tracker and GPS

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 Do not use high pressure water or steam to clean the any interiors areas of the M1A1 Abrams tanks internal electrical instrument panels – Use air clean or hand wipe only and only under the supervision of a qualified technician (see Figure 89-31).

Gun Mantlet, Barrel and MRS

89.9 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 Abrams gun mantlet and MRS area, illustrated in Figure 89-32, include the points detailed in Table 89-6.

Figure 89-32: M1A1 Abrams Gun Mantlet and MRS

EXTREME CAUTION DELICATE INSTRUMENT COMPONENTS 

Do not use water or steam to clean the gun mantlet or the MRS of the M1A1 Abrams tanks – Use compressed air clean only.  

Table 89-6: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams’ Gun Mantelet (Left) and Barrel and MRS

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 Do not use water or steam to clean the gun mantlet or the MRS of the M1A1 Abrams tanks (refer Figure 89-32) – Use compressed air clean only.

Tracks, Road Wheels, Rollers and Ballistic Skirt

89.10 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 Abrams tracks, road wheels, rollers and track ballistic skirt, as illustrated in Figures 89-33 to 89-41, include the points detailed in Table 89-7.

Figure 89–33: M1A1 Abrams Forward Road Wheels and Tracks and Ballistic Skirt

Figure 89–34: M1A1 Abrams Road Wheels Mid Track with Ballistic Skirts (Left) and Idler

and Fender (Right)

Figure 89–35: M1A1 Abrams with Ballistic Skirts Open

Figure 89–36: M1A1 Abrams Road Wheels and Tracks

Figure 89–37: M1A1 Abrams Sprocket Hub Assembly

Figure 89–38: M1A1 Abrams Sprocket Hub Assembly

Figure 89–39: M1A1 Abrams Track and Running Gear.

Figure 89–40: M1A1 Abrams Track Pads

Figure 89–41: M1A1 Abrams Track Support Chain Mount

Figure 89–42: M1A1 Abrams Road Wheel Support Arm (Left) and Guide Roller (Right)

EXTREME CAUTION Ballistic Skirt 

There are 2 doors per hinge. Ensure only one door is open per hinge at any one time. Two open doors can snap the hinge resulting in the

extremely heavy ballistic skirt falling 

Table 89–7: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams Tracks, Road Wheels, Rollers and Ballistic Armoured Skirt

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 EXTREME CAUTION - Ballistic Skirt - There are 2 skirt doors per hinge. Ensure only one door is open per hinge at any one time. Two open doors can snap the hinge resulting in the falling of the extremely heavy ballistic armoured skirt falling.

2 Open ballistic armoured skirts to allow access to the track and running gear. (refer Figure 89-35).

3 Remove all other removable panels to allow cleaning and inspection.

4 Clean all road wheels ensuring they are free of QRM (refer Figure 89-36).

5 Clean all sprocket hub assemblies ensuring they are free of QRM (refer Figures 89-37 and 89-38).

6 Clean all tracks ensuring there are free of QRM.

7 Roll tracks – one revolution required to check cleanliness of each track pad & countersunk bolts on rollers and idler wheels

8 Clean all internal ledges and hollow cavities inside track frames (refer Figure 89-39).

9 All pads must be inspected to ensure they are free of QRM. Pads that cannot be cleaned are to be replaced (refer Figure 89-40).

10 Track support chain mounts have hollow vertical areas behind which requires cleaning (refer Figure 89-41).

11 Road wheel support arms accumulate soil and areas behind require cleaning (refer Figure 89-42).

12 Rollers – each roller must be individually cleaned (refer Figure 89-42). Note: Rollers have no rubber.

…

…

Hydraulic and Electrical Cables

89.11 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 Abrams hydraulic and electrical cables include the point detailed in Table 89-8.

Table 89–8: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams Hydraulic and Electrical Cables

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 All electrical and hydraulic lines are to be separated and all grease and soil debris cleaned from in between them.

2.0

Underneath Vehicle

89.12 The cleaning instructions for the underneath the M1A1 Abrams, as illustrated in Figure 89-43, include the points detailed in Table 89-9.

Figure 89-43: Underneath the M1A1 Abrams

Table 89-9: Cleaning Instructions for Underneath the M1A1 Abrams

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 Remove all soil and matter from all surfaces, including the inside of the roadwheels and support arms.

2 Remove all grease that is contaminated with soil, plant and insect matter.

3 Use a flexible nozzle to flush out all soil and matter from the access cover recess.

Engine Air Filter

89.13 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 ABRAMS air filter assembly, as illustrated in Figures 89-44 and 89-45, include the points detailed in Table 89-10.

Figure 89-44: M1A1 Abrams Engine Air Filter (Left) and Air Intake Pre-cleaner Filter (Right)

Figure 89-45: M1A1 Abrams Engine Air Filter Outlet Hose

Table 89-10: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams Engine Air Filter

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 Remove the engine air filters to facilitate cleaning. If the filters cannot be cleaned they are to be replaced. Pre-cleaner filter may be cleaned with water. The V-pack filters are to be cleaned with high pressure air only.

2 The filter housing is to be blown clean with high-pressure air or replaced (see Figure 89-44).

3 Clean the engine air filter box after the filters have been removed. Do not refit filters until both filters and the box have been inspected by AQIS staff.

4 All soil, plant and insect matter should be removed from the air intake bay (see Figure 89-44).

5 Remove the air filter outlet hose and ensure it is free of QRM (refer Figure 89-45).

6 Clean the engine air filter outlet hose bay

Engine Bay

89.14 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 Abrams engine bay, as illustrated in Figures 89-46 to 89-49, include the points detailed in Table 89-11.

Figure 89-46: M1A1 Abrams’ Engine Bay

Figure 89-47: M1A1 Abrams’ Engine Bay

Figure 89-48: M1A1 Abrams’ Left and Right Angle Views of the Engine Compartment

Figure 89-49: M1A1 Abrams’s Battery Bay

CAUTION ENGINE COMPONENTS

Ensure that any engine openings/breathers/etc are taped or plugged to stop ingress of water prior to commencing cleaning. 

Table 89-11: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams’ Engine Bay

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 The power pack is to be removed to facilitate cleaning of the power pack bay and cooling fans.

10.0

2 A flexible nozzle should be used to flush out all soil and matter from inside the recesses and around the components in the power pack bay.

3 Ensure that any engine openings/breathers/etc are taped or plugged to stop ingress of water prior to commencing cleaning.

4 The power pack is to be removed to allow for cleaning and for cleaning of the engine bay (refer Figure 89-47).

10.0

5 Do not direct high-pressure water jets at any of the engine openings/breathers, or at any of the electrical/electronic components.

6 Clean the engine compartment to ensure it is free of dust, built-up dirt and grease, insect and plant material. Ensure that the exhaust and hose connections are taped prior to cleaning (refer Figures 89-47and 89-48).

7 Remove the batteries from the compartment and clean (refer Figure 89-49).

8 Clean the battery boxes and cradles and ensure they are free of dirt, dust, plant and insect material.

9 Re-fit batteries only after inspected by AQIS.

Power Pack (Engine & Transmission)

89.15 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 Abrams power pack, as illustrated in Figures 89-50 to 89-52, include the points detailed in Table 89-12.

Figure 89-50: M1A1 Abrams Power Pack (Engine & Transmission)

Figure 89-51: M1A1 Abrams Power Pack Filter End View

Figure 89-52: M1A1 Abrams Engine Electricals

Table 89-12: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams Power Pack

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 During the power pack removal, the tube and fin fuel cooler should be checked for contamination by plant and insect material. This may require disassembly of the cooling fans to access the contaminants.

6.0

2 With the power pack removed, strip any acoustic and heat reflective insulation from the walls of the power pack compartment and dispose of in accordance with AQIS directions.

3 Ensure that any engine openings/breathers/etc are taped or plugged to stop ingress of water prior to commencing cleaning.

Internal Areas

89.16 The cleaning instructions for the M1A1 Abrams, internal areas include the points detailed in Table 89-13.

CAUTION HIGH SECURITY AREA 

The interior areas of the M1A1 Abrams tanks are security classified areas and can only be accessed by individuals security cleared to the

appropriate level. 

EXTREME CAUTION ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS 

Do not use water or steam to clean any interiors areas of the M1A1 Abrams tanks internal electrical instrument panels – Use air clean only

and only under the supervision of a qualified technician 

Table 89–13: Cleaning Instructions for the M1A1 Abrams Internal Areas

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 WARNING - The interior areas of the M1A1 Abrams tanks are security classified areas due to the equipment contained within. This area can only be accessed by individuals security cleared to the appropriate level.

2 EXTREME CAUTION - Do not use water or steam to clean any interiors areas of the M1A1 Abrams tanks internal electrical instrument panels – Use air clean only and only under the supervision of a qualified technician

3 Remove all CES and personal kit and individually clean. Do not replace until instructed to do so by AQIS staff

4 Remove seat cushions from seats. Clean cushions, seats and seat areas.

5 If seat cushions are torn or cracked, remove and dispose of in accordance with AQIS instructions otherwise clean and ready for inspection prior to refitting to seats.

6 Wipe clean all internal area, paying attention to grills, cable and ledges where debris can become lodged.

7 All items on the main gun (breech, etc) are extremely sensitive components – Under no circumstances are these items to be interfered with or any maintenance to be conducted unless by a qualified technician.

8 Ensure the padding on the loaders knee switch is free of burrs, seeds and soil.

Tarpaulins

89.17 The cleaning instructions for the tarpaulins include the points detailed in Table 89-14.

Table 89-14: Cleaning Instructions for Tarpaulins

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 All tarpaulins are to be given a brush down, brush scrubbing and hose cleaning paying particular attention to the seam areas and then hung so as not to contact the ground for drying.

2 All ropes and universal dispatch straps are to be extended to their full length and wiped or washed clean of all soil, plant and insect matter. Attention to attachment points and fixtures and tension devices is required. Personnel are to inspect and remove all twigs, foliage, and so on that has become embedded in the rope fibres.

3 Velcro panels and seams (where fitted) are to be brushed and washed to ensure all seed, plant and soil material is removed.

4 Canvas bags are to be turned inside out and checked for burrs, seeds and insects.

5 Where fitted, poles, knuckles and pegs are to be subject to a high-pressure water clean to remove all soil, plant and insect matter (ants, spiders and mud wasps are of particular concern).

6 If tarpaulins have not been used during the entire deployment, then the requirement is for all tarpaulins to be unrolled, brushed and swept clean to ensure no vermin or insect infestation and then subject to an AQIS inspection.

Camouflage Nets

89.18 The cleaning instructions for camouflage nets include the points detailed in Table 89-15.

89-15: Cleaning Instructions for Camouflage Nets

Serial Comments or Tasks Technical Time (hours)

1 Removal of grass and debris may be achieved by use of a petrol powered blower/vacuum in the first instance, use of water should be avoided.

2 Heavily soiled camouflage nets may require further scrubbing and a dip in an approved detergent/ disinfectant (one in 20 solution). This has been achieved in the past by using trailers with required additive.

3 Depending on the degree of contamination and diligence in the cleaning process, camouflage nets may require three or more trailer dips to achieve the required AQIS clearance.

4 Drying is to be achieved by hanging the camouflage net so that it does not come into contact with the ground.

5 Nets are to be inspected to ensure that all plant material is removed.

6 Camouflage poles are to be brushed or swept clean; and metal joiners are to be removed cleaned and inspected by AQIS officers.