TM 10-8400-203-23
7-7. DIRECT SUPPORT MAINTENANCE–Continued
b. Helmet Liners.
(1) Machine washing.
(a) Detach chin straps by unhooking holders from garter studs. Remove the headbands and
neckbands by releasing the clips attaching them to the liner. Do not remove the webbing
suspension band.
(b) Nest the liners and place them in the washing machine in a manner that will prevent excessive
movement. Wash them 15 to 20 minutes in a 0.5 percent soap solution (NSN 5985-00-129-0815)
at a water temperature of 120°F (48.9°C), rinse them in clear warm water until all soap is removed.
Allow them to dry thoroughly in temperature not exceeding 140°F 60°C).
(2) Paint Stripping and cleaning.
(a) Prepare the helmets as for machine washing (1) (a) and (b) above.
(b) Prepare a stripping solution of 1 pound of paint remover and 5 ounces of soap (NSN
7930-00-129-0815) to 5 1/2 gallons (20.8L) of water to maintain a depth of 6 inches in the washer.
Wash 15 to 20 minutes, maintaining a solution temperature at 160°F (71.1 °C). Repeat the
operation if desired results are not obtained. Abrade loose paint with a vegetable fibre brush to
facilitate removal of the paint.
(c) Rinse the liners for 5 minutes in clear water at 160°F (71.1 °C). Drain the rinse water and repeat the
process twice.
(d) After the three hot rinses, neutralize the liners by rinsing them in a solution of laundry sour or
oxalic acid (NSN 6810-00-264-6625). Mix the laundry sour at a ratio of 1 ounce to 5 gallons
(18.9L) of water, and the oxalic acid at a ratio of 1 ounce (28.35g) to 10 gallons (37.85L) of water.
Maintain a neutralizing solution temperature of 160°F (71. 1°C).
(e) After neutralizing the liners rinse them 5 minutes in clear water, and allow them to dry at a
temperature not exceeding 140°F (60°C).
(f) Apply a coat of enamel to the exterior surface and air or bake it dry. Insure that the coverage is
complete and free of runs, blisters, cracks, or orange peel.
(g) Install replacement chin straps, headbands, and neckbands when the liners are thoroughly dry
(para 7-6 b).
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