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:

    Engine Support Insulators
    Special Tool(s) 3 Bar Engine Support Kit 303-F072 Engine Lift Bracket Set 303-D095 (D94L-6001-A) or equivalent ...

    Speed Control (Diagnosis and Testing)
    Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 31 , Speed Control for schematic and connector information. Special Tool(s) Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) 418-F224, New Generation STAR (NGS) Tester 418-F052, or equivalent diagnostic tool 7 ...

    Installation
    All vehicles 1. Using the special tools, install the crankshaft rear oil seal. Lubricate the oil seal using clean engine oil. 2. Using the special tool, install the crankshaft oil slinger. Manual transmission vehicles 3. Install the flywheel. For additi ...