Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Push Rods - Inspection

1. CAUTION: Do not attempt to straighten push rods.

Check the ends of the push rods for nicks, grooves, roughness or excessive wear. Install new push rods as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the procedure.

  • The push rods can be checked for straightness while they are installed in the engine by rotating them with the valve closed.
  • They also can be checked using a Dial Indicator with Bracketry.

Push Rods -Inspection

2. If the push rod is bent beyond specifications, install a new push rod. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the procedure.

Camshaft Journal -Diameter

1. Measure each camshaft journal diameter in two directions.

  • If out of specification, install new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the procedure.

Camshaft Journal -Diameter

Camshaft Journal -Clearance, Push Rod Engines, Micrometer Method

1. NOTE: The camshaft journals must meet specifications before checking camshaft journal clearance.

Measure each camshaft bearing (6261) in two directions.

  • Subtract the camshaft journal diameter from the camshaft bearing diameter.

Camshaft Journal -Clearance, Push Rod Engines, Micrometer Method

    Rocker Arms - Inspection
    CAUTION: Do not attempt to true surfaces by grinding. Check the rocker arm pad, side rails and seat for excessive wear, cracks, nicks or burrs. Check the rocker arm seat bolt for stripped or bro ...

    Camshaft Journal - Clearance, Plastigage Method
    Special Tool(s) Plastigage 303-D031 (D81L-6002-B) or equivalent NOTE: The camshaft journals must meet specifications before checking camshaft journal clearance. 1. Remove the camsh ...

    Other materials:

    Crankshaft Pulley
    Special Tool(s) Remover, Crankshaft Vibration Damper 303-009 (T58P-6316-D) Remover, Crankshaft Vibration Damper 303-176 (T82L-6316-B) Installer, Crankshaft Damper/Crankshaft Front Oil Seal 303-175 (T82L-6316-A) Materi ...

    Accessory Drive (Description and Operation)
    Component Locations- 3.8L   Component Locations-4.6L   ...

    Component Tests
    Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve 1. Open the hood. 2. NOTE: Key symptom is elevated idle speed while noise is occurring. NOTE: "Snapping" the throttle can induce the noise. Verify the condition by operating the vehicle for a short time. 3. Inspect the IAC valv ...