Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!bonnie.concordia.ca!clyde.concordia.ca!nstn.ns.ca!news.cs.indiana.edu!att!cbnews!cbnews!military From: rja@Eng.Sun.COM (Robert Allen) Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Re: Gas Masks Message-ID: <1991Feb6.031144.20343@cbnews.att.com> Date: 6 Feb 91 03:11:44 GMT References: <1991Feb5.041457.4841@cbnews.att.com> Sender: military@cbnews.att.com (William B. Thacker) Organization: Sun Microsystems, Mt. View, Ca. Lines: 59 Approved: military@att.att.com From: rja@Eng.Sun.COM (Robert Allen) In article <1991Feb5.041457.4841@cbnews.att.com> wmartin@STL-06SIMA.ARMY.MIL (Will Martin) writes: + + +From: Will Martin +Recent TV news coverage has discussed the US M-17 gas mask, which is being +used in the field right now, but which is going to be replaced eventually +by the improved M-40 model. Much was made of the M-17's obsolete filter +design, which requires the mask be removed to replace the filter +elements buried in the cheeks of the mask. However, the actual +replacement process was never illustrated. + +I happen to have an M-17 mask (found it at a garage sale!), and I can +feel the filters inside the mask but cannot for the life of me figure +out how they come out for replacement. Can someone post or e-mail me +the instructions for filter removal and replacement on the M-17? Since it might be of general interest, I'm posting it instead of mailing it. There are actually parts which must be replaced periodically, though I think the filters are replaced more often than anything else. If you snap off the fuzzy intake covers on the cheeks of the mask, you'll see the filters inside the mask. The colour of the metal ring projecting through the mask determines what kind of filter it is: green is (I think) full NBC capable, and other colours are for use only with riot control agents. If you look at the inside of the snap off covers, you'll see round membranous rubber valves. After some period of time (6 months?) these need to be replaced. They are replaced when they are no longer soft and pliable. There are similar filters in the nosepiece inside the mask (2). The exhaust valve is heavier rubber and is in the front piece of the mask, under the metal voice box. You have to remove the rubber exterior "nose" to see this valve. To remove the filters, you look inside the mask, and you'll see some "snaps", which are actually metal tabs projecting through the rubber. You undo these, and from there you should (as I recall) be able to see the mesh covered filters. I've never taken them out, but in the mask i looked at, it looked as if you'll have some pretty serious tugging and stretching to get the thing out. There are maintenance manuals available for the masks from various military surplus places. DISCLAIMER: the information supplied above is for casual informatino only, and is not intended as advice to be used in a potentially life threatening situation. + +I see lots of the Israeli masks and spare filters in surivalist magazine +ads and surplus catalogs, but don't recall having seen the filters for +the M-17 advertised. Are they for sale in the retail market anywhere? They were available in the past, but seldom advertised. I believe Sherwood Ind. (?) in Parthenia CA used to carry M-17 parts. -- Robert Allen, rja@sun.com DISCLAIMER: I disclaim everything. "The intelligent man is one who has successfully fulfilled many accomplishments, and is yet willing to learn more." - Ed Parker