TM 9-2350-256-20-1
UNIT MAINTENANCE
RECOVERY VEHICLE, FULL TRACKED: MEDIUM, M88A1
NSN 2350-00-122-6826, EIC AQA
DEEP WATER FORDING KIT THEORY OF OPERATION
Deep Water Fording Kit
General
The deep water fording kit as installed on the M88A1 permits fording to a maximum depth of 8 ft, 6 in. (2.59 m). The design of
the deep water fording equipment permits the vehicle to be completely operable on land or in water, providing maximum depth
is not exceeded.
Engine Exhaust
The engine exhaust system for deep water fording consists of a series of pipes to provide the proper venting of the exhaust for
the right and left banks of the engine. A flexible, bellowed-type pipe is clamped to the engine exhaust outlet. Utilizing a slip
joint, each pipe is attached to the main engine exhaust pipe, which ducts the exhaust gases through the rear engine deck. To each
engine exhaust pipe, a 4-1/2 in.- (114 mm-) diameter pipe, which extends above the specified depth, is clamped and sealed. Two
clamps, bolted to the engine deck, are used to hold the system in proper position.
Engine Air Inlet
The engine air inlet system provides for the use of outside air for the engine while the vehicle is in the water. The system consists
of two pipes and two rubber seals, which cover and seal each of the air intake vents on the top of the vehicle cab.
Engine Generator Cooling Exhaust
The engine generator electrical output is switched off and the valve assembly closed by the driver from the crew compartment to
prevent water from entering the generator.
APU
Preparations and precautions are taken before and after submersion of the APU to prevent corrosion and separation of hot leads
due to electrolysis by exposure to salt water, and the destruction of the brushes, brush holders, and armature by sand.
Personnel Heater
The personnel heater is not operable during fording operations. The air inlet and exhaust outlets are plugged during fording
operations and unplugged after fording operations.
Acetylene Compartment Vent
A vent assembly consisting of tubing, fittings, adapter plate, and gasket is attached to a boss which surrounds the four vent holes
in the left rear of the cab, to provide ventilation of the compartment during the deep water fording operation. Two clips mounted
onto the left engine air intake pipe support the vent system.
Fuel Tank Vent
Two 90-degree elbows, a rubber hose, two hose clamps, a seal, and a clip are the components used to vent the fuel tanks. The
rubber hose is clamped to an elbow in the left engine air intake pipe and to an elbow in the fuel tank's filler cover. The seal is
installed between the bottom of the fuel tank filler cover and the top of the fuel tank filler cap to prevent entry of water. The clip,
attached to the acetylene vent cover, keeps the hose from hanging free and being torn.
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