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:

    Vehicle storage
    If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time (30 days or more), read the following maintenance recommendations to make sure your vehicle stays in good operating condition. All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and teste ...

    Link - Stabilizer Bar
    Removal CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes nec ...

    Piston - Ring-to-Groove Clearance
    1. Inspect the piston for ring land damage or accelerated wear. 2. Measure the piston ring-to-groove clearance. Refer to the appropriate section in Group for the procedure. If out of specification, install new components as necessary. Refer to the a ...