Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Piston - Ring End Gap

CAUTION: Use care when fitting piston rings to avoid possible damage to the piston ring or the cylinder bore.

CAUTION: Piston rings should not be transferred from one piston to another.

NOTE: Cylinder bore must be within specification for taper and out-of-round.

1. Use a piston without rings to push a piston ring in a cylinder to the bottom of ring travel.

Piston - Ring End Gap

2. Use a feeler gauge to measure the top piston ring end gap and the second piston ring end gap.

  • Refer to the appropriate section in Group for the procedure.

Piston - Ring End Gap

    Piston - Selection
    NOTE: The cylinder bore must be within the specifications for taper and out-of-round before fitting a piston. 1. Select a piston size based on the cylinder bore. 2. NOTE: For precision fit, new ...

    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 specifica ...

    Other materials:

    Auxiliary Power Points
    WARNING: Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter socket (if equipped). Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your warranty, and can result in fire or serious injury. Note: If used when the engine is not runn ...

    Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
    Material Item Specification Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) (yellow color) WSS-M97B51- A1 Draining WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling syst ...

    Removal
    WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment. WARNING: Carry a live air ...