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:

    Inspection and Verification
    1. Verify the customer concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition. 2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage. Refer to the following chart. Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Engine coolant leaks ...

    Connecting Rod - Twist
    1. Measure the connecting rod twist on a suitable alignment fixture. Follow the instructions of the fixture manufacturer. Verify the measurement is within specification. Refer to the appropriate section in Group for the procedure. If out of specificat ...

    Front Seat Backrest
    Removal and Installation All vehicles 1. Remove the seat. For additional information, refer to Seat-Front Power in this section. 2. Remove the front seat backrest latch. For additional information, refer to Latch-Front Seat Backrest in this section. ...