Cleaning and Servicing the life Preserver

TM 5-4220-201-12

4-8. Cleaning and Servicing the life Preserver

a. Cleaning.

(1) Rinse thoroughly in clean water and dry all

preservers exposed to salt water. While drying, the cells will

remain inflated and will have the cylinders attached; hand

the containers separately to dry.

(2) Wash soiled preservers in a mild soap and w arm

water solution. A soft brush may be used but care should

be taken not to damage the fabric.

(3) After washing, thoroughly air-dry the preserver.

(4) Repack the preservers, using talc dust to prevent

adhesion and chafing of the material.

b. Servicing.

CAUTION

Extreme care should be taken when in serting

or removing the CO2 cylinder to prevent the

sealant from reaching and blocking the inside

of the valve.

(1) For cylinder valve assemblies (fig. 2-7) having

no set screw to secure the CO2, cylinder, apply thread

sealant to cylinder threads after they have been engaged

from one to two full turns. After applying the sealant, hand-

tighten the cylinders and remove all excess sealant.

(2) When a CO2 cylinder is replaced, secure the valve

discharge lever (fig. 4-1) to the valve

4-13