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:

    Wheel Hub or Axle Flange Bolt Circle Runout
    NOTE: The brake discs must be removed to carry out all runout measurements. 1. Position the special tool perpendicular to the wheel hub or axle flange bolt, as close to the hub or flange face as possible. Zero the indicator to allow the pointer to deflect ...

    Sensor - Rear
    Removal 1. Remove the rear passenger seat. 2. Disconnect the rear anti-lock brake sensor electrical connector. 3. Raise and support the vehicle. 4. Remove the rear anti-lock brake sensor harness from the floor pan. 5. Remove the anti-lock brake senso ...

    Vehicle certification label
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Regulations require that a Safety Compliance Certification Label be affixed to a vehicle and prescribe where the Safety Compliance Certification Label may be located. The Safety Compliance Certification Labe ...