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:

    Fuel Vapor Control Tube Assembly Valve
    Removal and Installation 1. Remove the fuel tank. For additional information, refer to Section. 2. Remove the retainers. 3. NOTE: The fuel vapor vent valve, fuel vapor control valve and the in-line fuel tank pressure sensor are repaired as a fuel va ...

    Component Tests
    Battery-Load Test 1. With the engine running, turn the A/C on, the blower motor on high speed and the headlamps on high beam. 2. Increase the engine speed to approximately 2,000 rpm. The voltage should increase a minimum of 0.5 volt above the ba ...

    Cable and Bracket
    Removal 1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section. 2. Remove the cable shift from the shifter lever and bracket and discard the clip. 3. Remove the bolt from the cable. 4. Remove the bolt from the cable. 5. ...