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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Camshaft Runout
1. NOTE: Camshaft journals must be within specifications before checking runout.
Use a Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture to measure the camshaft runout. zRotate the camshaft and subtract the lowest indicator reading from the highest indicator
reading.
z For additional information, refer to the specification chart in the appropriate engine
section.
z If out of specification, install new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate
section in Group 303 for the procedure.
SECTION 303-
00: Engine System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Dial Indicator Gauge with
Holding Fixture
100-
002 (TOOL- 4201-C) or
equivalent Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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Page 875 of 4378
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal —
Clearance
NOTE: Crankshaft main bearing journals must be within specifications before checking journal
clearance.
1. Remove the crankshaft main bearing caps and crankshaft main bearing.
2. Lay a piece of Plastigage across the face of each crankshaft main bearing surface.
3. NOTE: Do not turn the crankshaft while carrying out this procedure.
Install and remove the crankshaft main bearing cap.
4. Verify the crankshaft journal clearance. zRefer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the procedure.
z If out of specification, install new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate
section in Group 303 for the procedure.
SECTION 303-
00: Engine System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Plastigage
303-
D031 (D81L-6002- B) or
equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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Page 879 of 4378
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Crankshaft Runout
1. NOTE: Crankshaft main bearing journals must be within specifications before checking runout.
Use the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture to measure the crankshaft runout. zRefer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the procedure.
z Rotate the crankshaft and subtract the lowest dial indicator reading from the highest dial
indicator reading to figure the crankshaft runout. If it is out of specification, install new
components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the
procedure.
SECTION 303-
00: Engine System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Dial Indicator Gauge with
Holding Fixture
100-
002 (TOOL- 4201-C) or
equivalent Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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Page 884 of 4378
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Piston Inspection
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.
2. Use the Piston Ring Groove Scraper to clean the piston ring grooves. zMake sure the oil ring holes are clean.
SECTION 303-
00: Engine System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Scraper, Piston Ring Groove
303-
D033 (D81L-6002- D) or
equivalent Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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Page 903 of 4378

GENERAL PROCEDURES
Connecting Rod —
Bearing Journal Clearance
NOTE: The crankshaft connecting rod journals must be within specifications to check the connecting
rod bearing journal clearance.
1. Remove the connecting rod bearing cap.
2. Position a piece of Plastigage across the bearing surface.
3. NOTE: Do not turn the crankshaft during this step.
Install and tighten to specifications, then remove the connecting rod bearing cap.
4. Measure the Plastigage to get the connecting rod bearing journal clearance. The Plastigage should be smooth and flat. A changing width indicates a tapered or damaged connecting rod or
connecting rod bearing.
zRefer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the procedure.
z If out of specification, install new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate
section in Group 303 for the procedure.
SECTION 303-
00: Engine System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Plastigage
303-
D031 (D81L-6002- B) or
equivalent Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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Page 911 of 4378

GENERAL PROCEDURES
Valve Stem to Valve Guide Clearance
NOTE:
Valve stem diameter must be within specifications before checking valve stem to valve guide
clearance.
1. NOTE: If necessary, use a magnetic base.
Install a Valve Guide Clearance Gauge on the valve stem and install a Dial Indicator Gauge with
Holding Fixture. Lower the valve until the Valve Guide Clearance Gauge contacts the upper
surface of the valve guide.
2. Move the Valve Guide Clearance Gauge toward the indicator and zero the indicator. Move the Valve Guide Clearance Gauge away from the indicator and note the reading. The reading will
be DOUBLE the valve stem- to-valve guide clearance. Valves with oversize stems will need to
be installed if out of specification.
SECTION 303-
00: Engine System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Dial Indicator Gauge with
Holding Fixture
100-
002 (TOOL- 4201-C) or
equivalent Clearance Gauge, Valve Guide
303-
004 (TOOL- 6505-E) or
equivalent Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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Page 919 of 4378