FixVault

Piston Selection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Sable and 2005 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: The cylinder bore must be within the specifications for taper and out-of-round before fitting a piston.
  1. Select a piston size based on the cylinder bore.
    Fig 1: Identifying Cylinder Bore Measuring Directions
    G03905260Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. NOTE: For precision fit, new pistons are divided into 3 categories (grade sizes). A paint spot on the new pistons indicates the grade size. Choose the piston with the correct paint color after measuring the cylinder bore diameter.
    Fig 2: Identifying Piston Grade Size
    G03919793Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Choose the piston with the correct paint color.
    • Refer to the appropriate ENGINE MECHANICAL article for the procedure.