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:

    Interior luggage compartment release
    WARNING: Keep vehicle doors and luggage compartment locked and keep keys and remote transmitters out of a child’s reach. Unsupervised children could lock themselves in the trunk and risk injury. Children should be taught not to play in vehicles. WARNING: Do ...

    Electronic Leak Detection
    Special Tool(s) H10PM Refrigerant Leak Detector With Battery 216-00001 or equivalent CAUTION: Good ventilation is necessary in the area where electronic A/C leak testing is to be carried out. If the surrounding air is contaminated with refri ...

    Exhaust Manifold - Inspection
    Special Tool(s) Straight Edge 303-D039 (D83L-4201-A) or equivalent 1. Place a straight edge across the exhaust manifold flanges and check for warping with a feeler gauge. Bearing -Inspection 1. Inspect bearings for the following defects. P ...