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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
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) Cobra engine is a V- 8 with the following features:
z intercooled supercharger
z dual overhead camshafts
z four valves per cylinder
z sequential multiport fuel injection (SFI)
z an aluminum intake manifold
z aluminum cylinder heads
z a cast aluminum, 90-degree V- cylinder block
z individually chain- driven camshafts with a hydraulic timing chain tensioner on each timing chain
z the electronic ignition system with eight ignition coils
Identification
Always refer to these labels when replacement parts are necessary or when checking engine
calibrations. The engine parts often differ within a CID family. Verification of the identification codes will
ensure that the correct parts are obtained. These codes contain all the pertinent information relating to
the dates, optional equipment and revisions. The Ford Master Parts Catalog contains a complete
listing of the codes and their application.
Code Information
The engine code information label, located on the side of the valve cover and the front side of the
valve cover, contains the following:
zengine build date
z engine plant code
z engine code
Exhaust Emission Control System
Operation and necessary maintenance of the exhaust emission control devices used on this engine is
covered in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
Induction System
The sequential multiport fuel injection (SFI) provides the fuel/air mixture needed for combustion in the
cylinders. The eight solenoid- operated fuel injectors:
z are mounted in the lower intake manifold.
z meter fuel into the air intake stream in accordance with engine demand.
SECTION 303-
01C: Engine — Cobra 4.6L (4V) 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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18. Install the two nuts.
19. Install the transmission. For additional information, refer to
Section 308 - 03B .
20. Lower the vehicle.
21. Fill the engine crankcase with clean engine oil.
22. Install the A/C line. For additional information, refer to Section 412 - 03 .
23. Install the manifold and tube assembly— accumulator to compressor, 4.6L. For additional
information, refer to Section 412 - 03 .
24. Install the radiator sight shield.
25. Install the air cleaner outlet tube. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 12 .
26. Install the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414 - 01 .
27. Start the engine and check for leaks. Klj . 10 ba
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60.
NOTE: Use reference marks made during removal to aid in the installation.
Install the hood and the four nuts.
61. Install the hood- to-body ground strap.
62. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414 - 01 .
63. Fill the crankcase with clean engine oil and check that all other fluids are at the correct levels.
64. Fill and bleed the engine cooling system. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 03A .
65. Fill and purge the power steering system. For additional information, refer to Section 211 - 00 .
66. Start the engine and check for leaks. Stop the engine and recheck the fluid levels.
67. Charge the A/C system. For additional information, refer to Section 412 - 00 . Klj . 16 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
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:
z dual overhead camshafts
z four valves per cylinder
z sequential multiport fuel injection (SFI)
z an aluminum intake manifold
z aluminum cylinder heads
z a cast aluminum, 90-degree V- cylinder block
z individually chain- driven camshafts with a hydraulic timing chain tensioner on each timing chain
z the electronic ignition system with eight ignition coils
Identification
Always refer to these labels when replacement parts are necessary or when checking engine
calibrations. The engine parts often differ within a CID family. Verification of the identification codes will
ensure that the correct parts are obtained. These codes contain all the pertinent information relating to
the dates, optional equipment and revisions. The Ford Master Parts Catalog contains a complete
listing of the codes and their application.
Code Information
The engine code information label, located on the side of the valve cover and the front side of the
valve cover, contains the following:
zengine build date
z engine plant code
z engine code
Exhaust Emission Control System
Operation and necessary maintenance of the exhaust emission control devices used on this engine is
covered in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
Induction System
The sequential multiport fuel injection (SFI) provides the fuel/air mixture needed for combustion in the
cylinders. The eight solenoid- operated fuel injectors:
z are mounted in the lower intake manifold.
z meter fuel into the air intake stream in accordance with engine demand.
z are positioned so that their tips direct fuel just ahead of the engine intake valves.
SECTION 303-
01D: Engine — Mach I 4.6L (4V) 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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18. Install the two engine mount nuts.
19. Install the transmission. For additional information, refer to
Section 307 - 01 or
Section 308 - 03B .
20. Lower the vehicle.
21. Fill the engine crankcase with clean engine oil.
22. Install the A/C line. For additional information, refer to Section 412 - 03 .
23. Install the manifold and tube assembly— accumulator to compressor, 4.6L. For additional
information, refer to Section 412 - 03 .
24. Install the radiator sight shield.
25. Install the air cleaner outlet tube. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 12 .
26. Install the air intake scoop. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 12 .
27. Install the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414 - 01 .
28. Start the engine and check for leaks. Klj . 10 ba
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16. Check the connecting rod bearing clearance. For additional information, refer to
Section 303 -
00 .
17. Install the LH engine mount.
18. Install the RH engine mount.
19. Install the nuts and the windage tray.
20. Install and tighten the oil pump screen spacer. Klj . 8 ba
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65. Install the hood-
to-body ground strap.
66. Connect the fuel spring lock coupling. For additional information, refer to Section 310 - 00 .
67. Install the air intake scoop bracket. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 12 .
68. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414 - 01 .
69. Fill the crankcase with clean engine oil and check that all other fluids are at the correct levels.
70. Fill and bleed the engine cooling system. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 03A .
71. Fill and purge the power steering system. For additional information, refer to Section 211 - 00 .
72. Start the engine and check for leaks. Stop the engine and recheck the fluid levels.
73. Charge the A/C system. For additional information, refer to Section 412 - 00 . Klj . 18 ba
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Engine Cooling
Inspection and Verification
WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the
cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling
system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of
the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine is cooled, then
wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the
pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been
released, turn and remove the pressure relief cap (still with a cloth).
CAUTION: Check the coolant level, engine oil and transmission fluid, top off the coolant if
needed. If there is engine coolant in the engine oil or transmission fluid, the cause must be
corrected and oil/fluid changed or major component damage may occur.
1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.
2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.
SECTION 303-
03A: Engine Cooling 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Pressure Tester
014-
R1072 or equivalent 73III Automotive Meter
105-
R0057 or equivalent Worldwide Diagnostic System
(WDS)
418-
F224,
New Generation STAR (NGS)
Tester
418- F052, or equivalent scan
tool Battery/Anti-Freeze Tester
014- R1060 or equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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