Cleaning, Lubrication and Preventive Maintenance for the M60 Machine Gun

The M60 machine gun should be cleaned immediately after firing. The gunner disassembles the M60 into its major groups for cleaning. All metal components and surfaces that have been exposed to powder fouling should be cleaned using CLP on a bore-cleaning patch. The CLP is used on the bristles of the receiver brush to clean the receiver. After the M60 is cleaned and wiped dry, a thin coat of CLP is rubbed on with a cloth. This lubricates and preserves the exposed metal parts during all normal temperature ranges.

CAUTION Do not get CLP in the gas cylinder when cleaning the barrel. Turn the barrel upside down so that the gas cylinder is above the barrel during cleaning.

a. The gas cylinder components are removed and cleaned only when inspection shows that the piston will not move within the cylinder when the barrel is tilted end-for-end. Unit maintenance personnel must supervise disassembly of the gas system. The receiver brush and swab-holding section of the cleaning rod may be used to clean the interior of the gas cylinder. When CLP is used, the gas cylinder and gas piston must be wiped dry before assembly. After assembly, the piston is checked for free movement. The unit armorer replaces safety wire. The gunner cleans the rest of the weapon as follows:

(1) Cleans the bore using CLP and a bore brush attached to a cleaning rod. Does not reverse the direction of the bore brush while in the bore.

(a) Runs the brush through the bore several times until most of the powder fouling and other foreign matter have been removed.

(b) Swabs the bore several times using a cleaning rod and a swab wet with CLP.

(c) Swabs the bore several times using a cleaning rod and dry swab.

(2) Cleans the chamber using CLP and a chamber brush attached to a cleaning rod.

(a) Runs the brush through the chamber several times until most of the powder fouling and other foreign matter have been removed.

(b) Swabs the chamber several times using a cleaning rod and a swab wet with CLP.

(c) Swabs the chamber several times using a cleaning rod and dry swab.

(3) Cleans the receiver using a receiver brush and CLP.

(a) Brushes the receiver until most of the powder fouling and other foreign matter have been removed.

(b) Swabs the receiver several times using a cleaning rod section and a swab wet with CLP.

(c) Swabs the receiver several times using a cleaning rod section and dry swab.

(4) Wipes all the parts of the weapon except those that are rubber coated, using a rag wet with CLP.

(5) Dries completely all parts cleaned with CLP.

(6) Lubricates the following moving parts with CLP as instructed:

(a) Barrel Assembly. Lubricates on the camming surfaces of the boltlocking lugs.

(b) Operating Rod Assembly. Lubricates on the rollers and those surfaces immediately below the yoke that ride within the receiver rails.

(c) Cover assembly. Lubricates inside the feed cam assembly.

(d) Bolt assembly. Lubricates on the bolt locking lugs and cam actuator roller, and in the camming recess (for the operating rod).

b. After lubricating, the components are cycled by hand to spread the CLP. Weapons fired infrequently or stored for prolonged periods should have a light film of CLP applied to the interior of the gas cylinder and the gas piston immediately after cleaning or inspection. Preventive maintenance is performed every 90 days, unless inspection reveals more frequent servicing is necessary. The use of the lubricant does not eliminate the requirement for cleaning and inspecting to ensure that corrosion has not formed. Before the weapon is used, the gas system and components must be clean and free of oil and lubricants.

c. All exposed surfaces of the M122 tripod, pintle assembly, and T&E mechanism are wiped down with a clean rag. For stubborn areas with hard-toremove dirt, a steel brush or bore brush is used to loosen the particles. Then a clean rag is used to wipe them down and CLP is used to lubricate them.

d. The following procedures apply to cleaning and lubricating the M60 during unusual conditions:

(1) Below 0 degrees Fahrenheit use lubricating oil, arctic weather (LAW). Oil lightly to avoid freeze-up.

(2) Extreme heat – use a light coat of CLP.

(3) Damp or salty air – use CLP. Clean and apply frequently.

(4) Sandy or dusty areas – use CLP. Clean and apply frequently. Wipe with a rag after each application to remove excess.