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:

    Air Bag Disposal - Passenger, Undeployed, Scrapped Vehicle
    Remote Deployment WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module or safety belt retractor/pretensioner assembly. This will reduce the risk of injury in t ...

    Final disassembly
    32. If not done previously, remove the bolts. 33. CAUTION: Do not damage the bolt hole threads. If not done previously, insert a punch in the bolt holes and drive off the differential ring gear. 34. Using the special tools, remove the differential bearin ...

    Pedal and Bracket
    Removal 1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301). 2. Remove the stoplight switch retaining pin. 3. Slide the stoplight switch (13480) and booster push rod from the brake pedal pin. 4. Remove the brake pedal bracket retaining bolt. 5. Remove the ...