Matija Pinko
Updated on January 12, 2023
Do you know the firing order for your Ford engine? If not, you should learn it! If something goes wrong with your engine, knowing the firing order can help you troubleshoot the problem. We will discuss the firing order for several different Ford engines.
We will start with the 5.4L engine and work our way down to the 4.6L engine. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
The firing orders for the Ford engines in question are:
- The 302 engine: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
- The 5.4 engine: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
- The 5.0 engine: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 (V-8 VIN “N”)
- The 5.0 engine: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8(V-8 VIN “P”)
- The 4.6 engine: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
- The 390 engine: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
- The 351 engine: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
- The 351W engine: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
What’s a Firing Order?
The firing order is the sequence of power delivery by the spark plugs in an engine. It is often expressed as a timing mark on the engine’s crankshaft pulley or flywheel and/or a piston location relative to the top dead center (TDC).
The firing order for most inline-four engines with natural aspiration is 1-3-4-2, although some manufacturers use 1-3-2-4. For forced induction engines, the most common firing orders are 1-3-4-2 and 1-2-3-4.
If you have ever wondered why your car’s engine runs smoother when it’s in good tune, it’s because the firing order is correct and the spark plugs are firing in the right sequence. When the firing order is not right, it causes what is called an “engine misfire.” An engine misfire can result in a loss of power and decreased fuel economy. It can also cause damage to your catalytic converter.
So, now that you know what a firing order is and why it’s important let’s take a look at how to determine the firing order of your car’s engine.
There are a few different ways to determine the firing order of your car’s engine. One way is to consult your owner’s manual. Another way is to look for the timing marks on the engine’s crankshaft pulley or flywheel.
And yet another way is to use a piston stop tool to find the top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke of one cylinder and then count the number of rotations of the crankshaft until the next cylinder comes to TDC on its compression stroke.
Once you know the firing order of your car’s engine, you can check it against the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure it is correct. If it is not, you will need to have the engine repaired or replaced.
Ford 5.4 Firing Order
The 5.4 is an amazing engine. It’s incredibly powerful and efficient, and it’s very popular in a wide variety of Ford vehicles. If you’re looking for a high-performance engine that can provide great fuel economy, the 5.4 is a great option.
However, one thing to keep in mind with the 5.4 is that it has a very specific firing order. That means that the order in which the cylinders fire is important, and if you get it wrong, your engine will likely not run correctly (or at all).
Fortunately, the firing order for the 5.4 is not particularly difficult to remember or to find out. It’s 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, with cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the passenger side and cylinders 5, 6, 7, and 8 on the driver’s side. All 5.4 engines have the same firing order.
Ford 302 Firing Order
The firing order of the Ford 302 is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. The distributor rotates in a counterclockwise direction. The firing order is important because it ensures that the spark plugs fire in the correct order, providing optimal engine performance. The order in which the cylinders on a small block Ford 302 HO/351W engine fire is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4‑8.
The 302 engine was first introduced in 1968, and it quickly became one of Ford’s most popular engines. It was used in a variety of vehicles, including the Mustang, Bronco, and F-150. Enthusiasts have informally nicknamed the engine line “Windsor,” but Ford never officially used that name.
The Windsor designation is used to distinguish the 351 cu in (5.8 L) version from the 351 Cleveland version of the 335-family engine, which has different mechanics despite being the same size. These names come from where each type of engine was originally manufactured: Windsor, Ontario, and Cleveland, Ohio, respectively.
Today, the 302 remains a popular choice for hot rodders and muscle car enthusiasts. It can be easily swapped into older vehicles, and it provides plenty of power for street/strip applications. It is also a popular choice for engine swaps, as it is compatible with a wide variety of transmissions and has a relatively small footprint.
Ford 4.6 Firing Order
The 4.6-liter V8 engine is a very popular engine used in many Ford vehicles. The firing order of the 4.6 is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. This firing order is different than most other V8 engines because it fires on the odd cylinders first and then the even cylinders.
Ford 4.6 V8 engines fire in this order: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Cylinder number 1 is at the engine’s front and on the driver’s side; Ford designates cylinder numbers sequentially starting from the front or back of the engine.
The driver’s side contains cylinders 1-4, and the passenger’s side has 5-8. This engine is part of the modular series, which means that it’s smaller than a Ford Windsor but packs more power. Additionally, this series signaled the end of production for Windsor engines because they couldn’t compete with the raw strength of their modular counterparts.
Ford 390 Firing Order
Since its launch in 1961, Ford Motor Co. has made 9 variations to its 390 V8 engine – all while keeping the same firing order (1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8). This engine was the response to the Chevrolet 409 of General Motors. This firing order is most commonly used in big-block ford engines.
The firing order for the Ford 390 engine is different than other ford engines because it has a smaller bore diameter. The reason for this is that the Ford 390 engine was designed for use in large trucks and SUVs.
The smaller bore diameter allows for more torque and power to be generated by the engine. The Ford 390 engine is a popular choice for many people who want to upgrade their vehicles. Many people choose to install a performance camshaft and other performance parts to increase the power and efficiency of their engine. The Ford 390 firing order is the perfect choice for people who want to get the most out of their engine.
Ford 5.0 Firing Order
Ford’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine comes in two variations: the VIN “N” and the VIN “P” engines. As a result, each of these engines has different firing orders. On the passenger side are cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4; on the driver’s side are cylinders 5, 6, 7, and 8. The distributor should rotate clockwise.
The firing order for Ford’s 5.0 liter V-8VIN “N” engine is 1-5-4-2-6-3 -7 -8 while being 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8for cylinder variation “P.” Note that it does not matter what positions the spark plug wires occupy so long as this firing order is maintained to prevent any issues.
Ford 351 Firing Order
The Ford 351 engine comes in three different types- a351 (C), a 351(M), or 400 M. C stands for Cleveland, and M indicates Michigan. Despite their differences, all these engines have the same firing orders of 1-3-7-2=6 -5–4 8. That said, their firing orders differ from that of standard 289 and 302 engines.
Like Big Block Chevy engines, these have cylinder heads that contain canted valves. As long as the firing order is kept in mind, it does not matter where the spark plug wires are positioned.
What Happens If You Get the Firing Order Wrong?
When you mix up the firing order of your cylinders, bad things can happen. Your car may run for a while, or it may not run at all. If you’re lucky, you’ll just get a misfire. But if you’re unlucky, you could end up with damaged valves, pistons, or even the crankshaft. So it’s important to get the firing order right!
The firing order is the sequence in which the cylinders fire. It’s usually stamped on the cylinder head or intake manifold. If you get the firing order wrong, the engine will run, but it will be less efficient and may not run as smoothly as it should. The cylinders will fire out of sequence and the engine will vibrate more than it should. In worst-case scenarios, the engine could backfire or even seize up.
Can Bad Spark Plugs Mess Out the Firing Order?
Bad spark plugs can definitely mess with the firing order of your engine. If the plugs are not functioning properly, the ignition timing will be off and the engine will misfire.
This can cause all sorts of problems, from decreased fuel economy to increased emissions. In severe cases, it can even lead to engine damage.
So if you suspect that your spark plugs may be to blame for your car’s performance issues, it’s definitely worth checking them.
How to Replace Spark Plugs?
1. First, you’ll need to locate the spark plugs. In most cases, they are located near the top of the engine, underneath the coil packs (if applicable). However, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
2. Once you’ve found the plugs, use a ratchet or socket to loosen and remove them. Be careful not to drop them, as they can be delicate and easily damaged.
3. Next, take a look at the new plugs and compare them to the old ones. If they look different in any way (e.g., longer or shorter threads), don’t install them! Instead, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic to ensure that you’re using the correct plugs for your car.
4. Once you’ve confirmed that the new plugs are the right ones, it’s time to install them. Start by applying a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads. This will help to prevent the plugs from getting stuck in the cylinder head.
5. Finally, use your ratchet or socket to tighten the plugs until their snug. Again, be careful not to over-tighten them, as this can damage the threads or cause other problems.
Once you’ve replaced the spark plugs, start the engine and see how it runs. If it’s still misfiring, there may be another issue at play.
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How Often Should You Replace Spark Plugs?
Spark plugs are one of the most important components of your car’s engine, and they need to be replaced frequently to maintain optimal performance. Depending on your driving habits and the type of vehicle you drive, spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to replace your spark plugs:
1. Your car is losing power or accelerating slowly.
2. Your car is misfiring or running rough.
3. You’re experiencing poor fuel economy.
4. Your car is hard to start or has trouble starting.
5. You see black soot on your spark plugs (indicating they’re burning too hot).
Some spark plugs tend to last longer. If you use iridium spark plugs, you can expect them to last up to two times longer than traditional spark plugs. Platinum spark plugs also tend to last longer, but they’re more expensive.
Conclusion
The firing order of engines is rarely shared, so you shouldn’t rely on just any information you find for Ford’s V8 engines. The engines in question have different firing orders, so make sure you get the right sequence for yours!
Here are other articles about Ford that you may enjoy:
Ford 351 Windsor Firing Order (The Correct Firing Order)
Ford 460 Firing Order (Is There More Than One Firing Order for Ford 460)
P0305 Ford F150: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected
