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:

    Getting the services you need
    Warranty repairs to your vehicle must be performed by an authorized dealer. While any authorized dealer handling your vehicle line will provide warranty service, we recommend you return to your selling authorized dealer who wants to ensure your continued satis ...

    Piston - Ring End Gap
    CAUTION: Use care when fitting piston rings to avoid possible damage to the piston ring or the cylinder bore. CAUTION: Piston rings should not be transferred from one piston to another. NOTE: Cylinder bore must be within specification for taper and out-of ...

    Dowels - Flywheel Housing to Block
    Removal 1. NOTE: Take care not to damage the flywheel housing to block dowel holes or the surface areas around the flywheel housing to block dowel hole during removal. Remove the two flywheel housing to block dowels using a drift pin where the flywheel ...