TM 5-5430-212-13P
Section III. Operating Instructions Under Usual Conditions
CAUTION
DO NOT WALK UNNECESSARILY ON THE TANK AND ONLY DO SO WITH SOFT SOLED SHOES.
DO NOT DROP SHARP OBJECTS ON TANK, SUCH AS WRENCHES, FITTINGS, ETC.
2-11.
Filling Tank
a.
Check to see that the tank is properly installed. The trailer bed should be level to prevent the tank from
rolling.
b.
Tighten all the bolts in the fittings. Use 70 5 ft. lb. torque on the ½ " diameter bolts in the end clamps.
The rubber in new tank will "cold flow" under the pressure and the torque will drop. Tanks should be
retorqued periodically until the rubber has set and the torque doesn't drop appreciably. If leakage is noted
at the fittings or if the tank is subjected to hand usage, bolts should be re-tightened periodically.
c.
Attach the pressure gage to the filler/discharge valve as shown in Fig. 2-4. Open the pressure gage valve.
(3, Fig. 2-4).
NOTE:
Before using the tank for the first time or after prolonged storage, flush the tank with a
disinfectant/potable water solution.
d.
Before starting to fill the tank be sure that all air has been expelled. The close 4" tank inlet valve.
e.
Attach source of water to the supplied 4" diameter hose. Purge the air from the filling line and the hose by
opening the valve at the water source until the water comes out the supplied hose. Turn off water at the
water source.
f.
The free ends of the hold-down belts should now be brought over the top of the tank and down the other side
through the ratchet take-up mechanism attached to the truck bed. Slide ends of belt through slot in
ratchet assembly. Fold end back on belt and hold manually until one turn has been taken on roll-up
spool.
g.
Attach the hose to the tank fill/discharge valve.
h.
Open the valve at the potable water supply.
i.
Open the filler/discharge valve on the tank.
j.
No pressure will show on the pressure gage until the tank is approximately two (2) feet high. From that point
on periodically check the exact tank pressure by closing the 4" filler/discharge valve on the tank to obtain
a precise tank pressure reading.
2-8