Section 03-01A: Engine, 2.3L
1993 Mustang Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

 CAUTION: Do not oil threads that require oil resistant or water resistant sealer.

When installing nuts or bolts, oil the threads with light-weight engine oil.

Pistons and Connecting Rods

Tools Required:

 

Removal

  1. Remove cylinder head as outlined.
  1. Raise vehicle on hoist. Refer to Section 00-02.
  1. Remove engine oil pan as outlined.
  1. Clean oil pan and inspect for damage.
  1. Clean oil pan gasket surface at the cylinder block.
  1. Clean oil pan and inspect for damage.
  1. Clean oil pan gasket surface at the cylinder block.
  1. Remove and clean pickup tube and screen assembly.
  1. Position oil pump tube assembly to the oil pump. Install two retaining bolts with gasket.
  1. Remove connecting rod caps and bearings.
  1. Push pistons up into the cylinder bores.
  1. Lower vehicle.
  1. Remove pistons.
  1. Select the proper bore gauge and micrometer. Measure the cylinder bore for out of round and taper. Deglaze cylinder bore.
  1. Remove rings and clean ring grooves. Clean carbon from pistons.
  1. Check ring gaps in cylinder. Refer to Section 03-00.

    NOTE: Never install compression rings on pistons by hand. Always use a ring expander tool.

  1. Install rings using a ring expander tool. Then, check ring side clearance.
  1. Clean crankshaft journals.
  1. Clean rod caps and nuts.
  1. Clean cylinder head gasket surface at block.
  1. Clean intake manifold gasket surface at intake manifold.
  1. Clean the exhaust manifold gasket surface at the exhaust manifold, and at the cylinder head.
  1. Clean the intake manifold gasket surface at the cylinder head.
  1. Clean the cylinder head block bolt holes.
  1. Clean the camshaft cover gasket surface on the head.
  1. Clean rocker arm cover.



 

Installation

  1. Install bearings in rods and caps.
  1. Install Rotunda Piston Ring Compressor 014-00290 or equivalent on pistons and install pistons in block.
  1. Raise vehicle on hoist. Refer to Section 00-02.
  1. Cut Plastigage to size, position in rod cap. Install rod caps and tighten in two steps: 34-41 Nm (25-30 lb-ft), then 41-49 Nm (30-36 lb-ft). Remove rod cap and measure Plastigage.
  1. Clean Plastigage from rod journals, bearings, and oil bearings.
  1. Install rod caps. Tighten in two steps: 34-41 Nm (25-30 lb-ft), then 41-49 Nm (30-36 lb-ft). Turn crankshaft.
  1. Replace oil filter.
  1. Install oil pan as outlined.
  1. Install starter.
  1. Lower engine to chassis and install the engine support through bolts. On convertible, tighten to 45-61 Nm (33-45 lb-ft). On non-convertible, tighten to 88-119 Nm (65-85 lb-ft).
  1. Install cylinder head as outlined.