2003 FORD MUSTANG rocker

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Lifting
CAUTION: Do not allow the lift adapters to contact the steering linkage, suspension arms,
stabilizer arms, or to compress the lower suspension arm stabilizer bar insulator (5493).
Damage to the suspension, exhaust and steering linkage components may occur if care is not
exercised when positioning the hoist adapters prior to lifting the vehicle.
CAUTION: Never use the differential housing as a lift point. Damage to the differential
housing and cover may occur.
CAUTION: Do not lift vehicle on rocker panel pinch flange or convertible cross brace.
Body damage may occur.
Lift the vehicle using the Lifting Points procedure in this section.
Lifting Points—Drive On Lift
CAUTION: To prevent possible damage to the underbody, do not drive the vehicle onto
the drive on lift without first checking for possible interference.
Check for interference between the upright flanges of the hoist rails and the underbody.
If an interference exists, modify the hoist flanges or build up the approach ramps as necessary to
provide clearance. Lifting Points — Frame Contact Lift, Single Post Lift, Two Post Lift SECTION 100-
02: Jacking and Lifting 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
32003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4920/S3B~us~en~ ...

CAUTION: Do not position lift pads under the No. 3 crossmember.
CAUTION: Do not lift vehicle on rocker panel pinch flange or convertible cross brace.
Body damage may occur.
NOTE: Adapters may be necessary to clear vehicle components to lift the vehicle safely. The adapters
must be placed at the four designated contact points. Position the adapters so they are center on the
adapter contact area.
Lift the vehicle at the applicable lift points. Klj . 2 ba
32003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4920/S3B~us~en~ ...

z
Generator electrical
field or bearings. z
CARRY OUT generator
load test. REPAIR or
INSTALL a new generator
as necessary. REFER to
Section 414 - 02 .
z Drone type noise zExhaust system. zCARRY OUT the Exhaust System Neutralizing in this
section. REPAIR as
necessary.
z A/C compressor. zCHECK for noise with
vehicle at constant speeds.
CYCLE the compressor on
and off and listen for a
change in pitch. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 412 - 03 .
z Powertrain mounts. zCARRY OUT the
Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing in this
section.
z Sputter type
noise— noise
worse when cold,
lessens or
disappears when
vehicle is at
operating
temperature z
Damaged or worn
exhaust system
components. z
INSPECT the exhaust
system for leaks or
damage. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 309 - 00 .
z Rattling noise—
noise from the
upper engine
(valve train).
Worse when
engine is cold z
Low oil level. zCHECK oil level. FILL as
necessary.
z Thin or diluted oil. zINSPECT the oil for
contamination. If oil is
contaminated, CHECK for
the source. REPAIR as
necessary. CHANGE the oil
and filter.
z Low oil pressure. zCARRY OUT an oil
pressure test. If not within
specifications, REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 303 - 00 .
z Worn rocker
arms/fulcrums or
followers. z
CARRY OUT a valve train
analysis. INSTALL new
valve train components as
necessary. REFER to
Section 303 - 01A for 3.8L
engines or Section 303 - 01B
for 4.6L (2V) engines.
z Worn valve guides. zCARRY OUT a valve train
analysis. INSTALL new
valve guides as necessary.
REFER to Section 303 - 01A
for 3.8L engines or
Section 303 - 01B for 4.6L (2V)
engines. Klj . 26 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

z
excessive connecting rod bearing clearance
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Off—Valve Cover Removed
Check for damaged or severely worn parts and correct assembly. Make sure correct parts are used
with the static engine analysis as follows.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Off, Rocker Arm
z Check for loose mounting bolts, studs and nuts.
z Check for plugged oil feed in the rocker arms (6564) or cylinder head.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Off, Camshaft Roller Followers and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters,
Overhead Camshaft
zCheck for loose mounting bolts on camshaft carriers.
z Check for plugged oil feed in the camshaft roller followers, lash adjusters or cylinder heads.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Off, Camshaft— Engines
z Check for broken or damaged parts.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Off, Push Rods
z Check for bent push rods (6565) and restricted oil passage.
Valve Train Analysis— Valve Springs
z Check for broken or damaged parts.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Off, Valve Spring Retainer and Valve Spring Retainer Keys
z Check for correct seating of the valve spring retainer key (6518) on the valve stem and in valve
spring retainer (6514).
z Check for correct seating on the valve stem.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Off, Valves and Cylinder Head
z Check for plugged oil drain back holes.
z Check for worn or damaged valve tips.
z Check for missing or damaged guide- mounted valve stem seal.
z Check collapsed valve tappet gap.
z Check installed valve spring height.
z Check for missing or worn valve spring seats.
z Check for plugged oil metering orifice in cylinder head oil reservoir (if equipped).
Static checks (engine off) are to be made on the engine prior to the dynamic procedure. Klj . 14 ba
172003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

Valve Train Analysis—
Engine Running
z Start the engine and, while idling, check for correct operation of all parts. Check the following:
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Running, Valves and Cylinder Head
z Check for plugged oil drain back holes.
z Check for missing or damaged valve stem seals or guide mounted valve stem seals.
z Check for a plugged oil metering orifice in the cylinder head oil reservoir (4.6L engine only).
If insufficient oiling is suspected, check oil passages for blockage, then accelerate the engine to 1,200
rpm with the transmission in NEUTRAL and the engine at normal operating temperature. Oil should
spurt from the rocker arm oil holes such that valve tips and camshaft roller followers are well oiled.
With the valve covers (6582) off, some oil splash may overshoot camshaft roller followers.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Running, Camshaft Lobe Lift— OHC Engines
Check the lift of each camshaft lobe in consecutive order and make a note of the readings. 1. Remove the valve covers.
2. Remove the spark plugs.
3. Install the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture so the rounded tip of indicator is on top of the camshaft lobe and on the same plane as the valve tappet.
4. Rotate the crankshaft using a breaker bar and socket attached to the crankshaft pulley retainer bolt. Rotate the crankshaft until the base circle of the camshaft lobe is reached.
5. Zero the dial indicator. Continue to rotate the crankshaft until the (1) high- lift point of the
camshaft lobe is in the fully- raised position (highest indicator reading).
6. To check the accuracy of the original indicator reading, continue to rotate crankshaft until the (2) base circle is reached. The indicator reading should be zero. If zero reading is not obtained,
repeat Steps 1 through 6.
7. NOTE: If the lift on any lobe is below specified service limits, install a new camshaft, and new
camshaft roller followers.
Remove the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture.
8. Install the spark plugs. Klj . 15 ba
172003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

9. Install the valve covers.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Running, Camshaft Lobe Lift— Push Rod Engine
Check the lift of each lobe in consecutive order and make a note of the readings. 1. Remove the valve covers.
2. Remove the rocker arm seat bolts, rocker arm seat (6A528) and rocker arms.
Typical Engine With Push Rods
3. Make sure the valve tappet is seated against camshaft (6250). Install (1) Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture so the ball socket adapter of the indicator is on top of the valve tappet or (2)
Dial Indicator Gauge Adapter is on top of push rod and in same plane as valve tappet push rod
movement.
4. Remove the spark plugs.
5. Connect an auxiliary starter switch in the starting circuit. Crank the engine with ignition switch in OFF position. Bump crankshaft over until valve tappet is on base circle of camshaft lobe. At this
point, valve tappet will be in its lowest position. If checking during engine assembly, turn
crankshaft using a socket or ratchet.
6. Zero the dial indicator. Continue to rotate crankshaft slowly until valve tappet is in fully- raised
position (highest indicator reading).
7. NOTE: If lift on any lobe is below specified service limits, install a new camshaft, and new valve
tappets.
Remove the Dial Indicator with Holding Fixture, Dial Indicator Gauge Adapter, and auxiliary
starter switch.
8. Install rocker arm seats, rocker arms and rocker arm seat bolts.
9. Install valve covers.
10. Install spark plugs.
Valve Train Analysis— Engine Running, Valve Tappet
Valve tappet noise can be caused by any of the following:
zexcessive valve tappet gap (collapsed) Klj . 16 ba
172003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

z
incorrectly functioning valve tappet
z air in lubrication system
z excessive valve guide wear
z low oil pressure
Excessive collapsed valve tappet gap can be caused by loose rocker arm seat bolts/nuts, incorrect
initial adjustment or wear of valve tappet face, or worn roller valve tappets, push rod (6565), rocker
arm (6564), rocker arm seat or valve tip. With valve tappet collapsed, check gap between the valve tip
and the rocker arm to determine if any other valve train parts are damaged, worn or out of adjustment.
An incorrectly functioning valve tappet can be sticking, caused by contaminants or varnish inside the
tappet. The tappet can have a check valve that is not functioning correctly, which can be caused by an
obstruction, such as dirt or chips that prevent the check valve from closing, or a broken check valve
spring. A tappet with a leakdown time out of specification can cause tappet noise. If no other cause for
noisy valve tappets can be found, the leakdown rate should be checked and new valve tappets
installed if found to be out of specification.
Assembled valve tappets can be tested with Hydraulic Tappet Leakdown Tester to check the leakdown
rate. The leakdown rate specification is the time in seconds for the plunger to move a specified
distance while under a 22.7 kg (50 lb) load.
Air bubbles in the lubrication system will prevent the valve tappet from supporting the valve spring
load. This can be caused by too high or too low an oil level in the oil pan or by air being drawn into the
system through a hole, crack or leaking gasket on the oil pump screen cover and tube. Klj . 17 ba
172003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

GENERAL PROCEDURES
Rocker Arms —
Cleaning
1. Clean all parts thoroughly. Make sure all oil passages are open.
2. Make sure oil passage in the push rod/valve tappet end of the rocker arm (6564) is open.
SECTION 303-
00: Engine System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
12003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...