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:

    Special Operating Condition Requirements
    When towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier: Change engine oil and install a new oil filter every 4,800 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months. Change transfer case fluid every 96,000 km (60,000 miles). Change manual transmission fluid as required. ...

    Engine
    WARNING: Do not operate the engine with the hood open until the fan blade has been first examined for possible cracks and separation. The 4.6L (4V) (281 CID) is a V-8 engine with the following features: dual overhead camshafts four valves per cylinder s ...

    Valve Cover RH
    Removal and Installation 1. Remove the throttle body. For additional information, refer to Section. 2. Disconnect the crankcase vent hose. 3. Remove the differential feedback exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system vacuum hoses and the bracket bolts. Po ...