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:

    Accelerator Cable - 3.8L
    Removal and Installation 1. Push the accelerator cable nylon bushing out of the accelerator pedal and shaft arm. 2. Remove the bolts retaining the accelerator cable to the dash panel. 3. Disconnect the accelerator cable from the throttle body by rotating ...

    Crankshaft Front Seal
    Special Tool(s) Installer, Front Cover Oil Seal 303-335 (T88T-6701-A) Installer, Crankshaft Front Oil Seal 303-474 (T94P-6701-AH) Remover, Oil Seal 303-409 (T92C-6700-CH) Material Removal 1. Remove the crankshaft pulley. ...

    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 ...