Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Piston Inspection

Special Tool(s)

Scraper, Piston Ring Groove 303-D033 (D81L-6002-D) or equivalent

CAUTION: Do not use a caustic cleaning solution or a wire brush to clean the pistons or damage can occur.

1. Clean and inspect the (1) ring lands, (2) skirts, (3) pin bosses, and the (4) tops of the pistons. If wear marks, scores or glazing is found on the piston skirt, check for a bent or twisted connecting rod.

Piston Inspection

2. Use the Piston Ring Groove Scraper to clean the piston ring grooves.

  • Make sure the oil ring holes are clean.

Piston Inspection

    Crankshaft - Connecting Rod Journal Taper, Out of Round
    1. Measure the crankshaft connecting rod journal diameters in two directions perpendicular to one another at each end of the connecting rod journal. The difference in the measurements from one e ...

    Piston - Pin to Bore Diameter
    1. WARNING: Cover the end of the pin bore with a hand or shop rag when removing the retainer ring, since it has a tendency to spring out. Wear eye protection. NOTE: Piston and piston pins are a matc ...

    Other materials:

    Installation
    WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions and notes at the beginning of the removal procedure. 1. WARNING: The tightening torque of the air bag restraints control module (RCM) retaining bolts is ...

    Valve Springs
    Special Tool(s) Compressor, Valve Spring 303-163 (T81P-6513-A) Material Removal 1. Remove the LH and the RH valve covers. For additional information, refer to Valve Cover-LH and Valve Cover RH in this section. 2. Rotate the crankshaft un ...

    Engine (Assembly)
    Special Tool(s) Guides, Connecting Rod 303-442 (T93P-6136-A) Installer, Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal 303-518 (T95P-6701-DH) Installer, Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal 303-516 (T95P-6701-BH) Installer, Crankshaft Re ...