What is a 4.6-Liter Ford car engine Firing Order?
Ford 4.6 firing order for a V-8 is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. On the passenger side of the automobile, cylinder number 1 is placed at the front of the Ford V-8 engine. From front to back, the cylinders of a Ford engine are numbered, with numbers 1 through 4 on the passenger side and 5 through 8 on the driver’s side.
Ford’s popular Windsor engines were phased out with the introduction of the modular series of engines. These engines have a smaller displacement and deliver more power and smoothness to meet the demands of the Lincoln Town Car, the company’s top-of-the-line model. The 4.6 engine may be found in a broad range of automobiles, trucks, and vans, according to Wikipedia. In trucks, Ford refers to the modular engine as the Triton. In Lincolns, the company produces a DOHC variation known as the InTech. This engine is available in two-, three-, and four-valve configurations. Take a note that the Ford 4.6 L is no longer in production.

There are two major problems in the modular Ford engines that have been uncovered. The first is Ford’s use of DuPont nylon intake manifolds, which are known to break and leak coolant. The replacement warranty on these manifolds has expired as of 2014 due to a 2005 lawsuit. The second issue, for which Ford extends the warranty, is missing spark plug threads and difficult-to-remove plugs.
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The Importance of Vehicle Engine Firing Order
The precise firing sequence is crucial since messing up the spark plug wires can prevent the engine from starting, cause it to backfire, and cause it to perform poorly if at all.
NOTE: It’s vital to avoid routing the spark plug wires too close together over a long distance on engines with two adjacent spark plugs that fire straight after each other. Crossfire between the plugs can occur when the magnetic field created by the spark going to one plug fires the next plug prematurely, causing the engine to run rough and misfire. Crisscross the two plug wires next to each other to cancel out the magnetic induction and prevent this from happening.
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In engines with distributor less ignition systems or coil-on-plug ignition systems, the ignition module or engine computer regulates the firing sequence. The computer receives an input signal from the crankshaft position sensor to determine which piston is approaching top dead centre on its compression stroke (and camshaft position sensor on certain engines). The next spark plug in the firing sequence is subsequently ignited, and so on.
The necessity of understanding the right firing sequence for a car or truck engine is well understood by all technicians. Engine vibrations can be reduced, if not totally eliminated, by following the right process.
We’ll concentrate on the Ford Engine Firing Order in this piece because it’s one of the most popular. So, what is a Ford vehicle’s engine firing order?
The firing sequence for the most common Ford engines is as follows:
Ford Engines Particulars | Firing order |
---|---|
HO Ford 302 engine: | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
Non-HO Ford 302 engine: | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 |
Ford 5.4 engine: | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
Ford 5.0 liter V8 VIN “N” engine: | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 |
Ford 5.0 liter V8 VIN “P” engine: | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
Ford 4.6 V8 engine: | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
Ford 390 engine: | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 |
Ford 351 engine: | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
Ford 351W engine: | 1-3-5-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
If the sequence of spark plug firing or fuel injection is correct, it will result in a smooth ride for the passengers. Why?
Both inside the engine and throughout the system, vibrations will be kept to a minimum. That’s how important it is to start the engine in the proper order.
For firing, there are a number of different sequences that may be used.
The two types of engines offered are gasoline and diesel engines. Spark plugs light the fuel in gasoline engines. In diesel engines, the fuel is injected and burned when the air is compressed to a boiling temperature.
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Furthermore, the firing order of an engine is determined by the order in which the spark plugs ignite (in gasoline engines) and fuel is provided (in diesel engines).
Ford offers a variety of truck engines in a variety of sizes, capacities, and power outputs. Throughout the years, seven of these truck engines have been employed to power various Ford Truck models.
The firing sequence of these nine Ford truck engines will be detailed in the following sections.
Ford Vehicle Engine Names and Firing Orders
- HO 302-(1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8).
- Non-HO 302-(1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8).
- 5.4-(1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8).
- 5.0 V8 VIN “N”(1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8).
- 5.0 V8 VIN “P”(1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8).
- 4.6 V8(1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8).
- 390(1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8).
- 351(1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8).
- 351W(1-3-5-7-2-6-5-4-8).
For a Ford 302, there is a firing order.

The firing sequence for a HO Ford engine is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8, with the distributor turning counterclockwise. The firing order (small block Ford Vehicle) 302 HO/351W is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8.
As a result, the model year determines the firing order of a Ford 302 engine. On recent HO engines, the engine firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. On the past versions, the firing sequence is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8.
Past Ford 302 engines follow the similar firing orders as the Ford 260 and 289 engines, with LH = 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 and RH = 1-8-7-3-6-2-4-5.
The LH = 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 and RH = 1-8-4-5-6-2-7-3 firing order of the later 302 engines (marine) was the same as that of the 351 W engines. Between 1972 and 1974, the changeover took occurred.
In addition, the firing order for non-HO Ford 302 engines is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. Cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4 are located on the passenger side of the engine, closest to the firewall.
Cylinders 5, 6, 7, and 8 are close to the firewall on the driver’s side. HO 302 engines have the same set-up.

To check if the engine has the usual non-HO firing order, remove the valve cover and place cylinder no. 1 at top dead centre (TDC). You may accomplish this by turning the engine over manually.
You’re near to that position when you can feel air coming out of the hole of spark plug no. 1 with your finger.
To get to TDC at that point, use the damper’s timing markings. Then physically spin the engine clockwise in the other way. In order to confirm the firing order described above, take note of the order in which the intake valves open. You may feel assured if it confirms the sequence.
It makes no difference if the sequence is changed or not. Make a note of the order in which each cylinder’s intake valves open. This will teach you the firing order for the 302 Ford engine.
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The Ford 5.4 has a firing order.
Let’s take a look at the Ford 5.4 Triton’s firing sequence. To choose a starting point, first pick which cylinder top or bank is the most important. This is especially useful if a specific component, such as the ignition coil, fuel injector, or oxygen sensor, needs to be replaced.

Make sure you know which cylinder head is number one before you do anything else. This is the cylinder brain that is closest to the top or most forward. The first cylinder is the one closest to the engine’s top.
For all Ford 5.4 engines, the firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. The passenger side has cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4, whereas the driver’s side has cylinders 5, 6, 7, and 8.
The Ford 5.0 – (firing order)
This engine has a 5 litre capacity. This engine comes in two separate versions: the Ford 5.0 litre V-8 VIN “N” engine and the Ford 5.0 litre V-8 VIN “P” engine. As a result, the firing orders for these two engines are different.
Cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4 are on the passenger side, whereas cylinders 5, 6, 7, and 8 are on the driver’s side. The distributor rotates in the opposite direction.
1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 is the firing order for the Ford 5.0 litre V-8 VIN “N” engine, whereas 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 is the firing order for the Ford 5.0 litre V-8 VIN “P” engine. It makes no difference where the spark plug wires are. There will be no issues as long as the firing sequence is maintained.
As a consequence, you won’t have to worry about withdrawing and rotating the wires if the spark plug cap has to be turned for any reason.
The Ford 4.6 (firing order).
The firing order for Ford 4.6 V8 engines is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. In these engines, cylinder number one is positioned in the engine’s front and on the driver’s side. Ford Motor Company assigns cylinder numbers in a sequential order, starting at the front and finishing at the back of the engine.
Cylinders 1 to 4 are located on the driver’s side, while cylinders 5 to 8 are located on the passenger side.
The Ford Motor Company’s modular engine series includes this engine. It produces more power while having a smaller displacement than the Ford Windsor engines. Furthermore, by giving more power in a smaller engine, the modular series put an end to Ford’s Windsor engines.
The 4.6-liter engine was used in a wide range of Ford vans, cars, and trucks. The Triton is the moniker given by the carmaker to this modular engine. This modular engine is also available in a DOHC form, which is utilised in Lincoln automobiles. This engine is no longer in production.
This might be due to inherent problems in the modular engine. One of the issues is the use of Dupont nylon intake manifolds. They are prone to cracking, which can lead to coolant leakage.
Another concern is the absence of threads on the spark plugs, which makes it difficult to remove them.
For the Ford 390, there is a Fire Order.
Ford has made nine revisions to its 390 V8 engine since its launch in 1961. In all nine models, Ford preserved the engine’s firing order, which is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. In response to General Motors’ Chevrolet 409, Ford developed this engine.

Engine displacement: 390 cc
The Ford 390 had more horsepower than the 409 from GM. It had a maximum engine output of 401 horsepower. The next year, it was put into production for the first time. This was almost 41 horsepower more than the Chevy 409’s 360 horsepower.
The 390 engine was used in the manufacture of Mercury and Ford automobiles, as well as a variety of trucks. Automobile buyers, on the other hand, were more thrilled about the Chevy 409 because of its greater size.
Impalas equipped with 409 engines sell two to three times as much as Ford Galaxies equipped with 390 engines.
Ford 390s, on the other hand, remain popular today because to the simplicity with which replacement parts can be bought. Some car enthusiasts, especially if the vehicle is meant for racing, may increase the engine’s power to above 500 horsepower.
The Firing Order is Shared by Models from the Ford Car Year (1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8).
The following is a list of Ford automotive year models that share the same firing order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8, starting with the first model in 1961.
• From 1961 to 1965, the engine with a four-barrel carburetor (lowest horsepower variation) produced 300 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque.
• 1961, 1963, and 1965 – 330 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque with a four-barrel carburetor (highest horsepower kind).
• A four-barrel carburetor generated 375 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque from 1961 to 1962.
• 3 x 2 barrel carburetors with 401 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque from 1961 to 1962.
• 2 barrel carburetors with 265 horsepower (normal gearbox) or 275 horsepower (automatic transmission) and 401 pound-feet of torque from 1966 to 1969.
• A four-barrel carburetor generated 315 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque from 1966 to 1968.
Between 1967 and 1968, it was equipped with a four-barrel carburetor that produced 320 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque.
• A four-barrel carburetor “GT Model” generated 335 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque from 1966 to 1968.
• 1969 – A four-barrel carburetor produces 320 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque.
Ford 351 (Firing Order)
The Ford 351 has a firing order of 1-3-5-7-2-6-5-4-8. The 351 order is different from the majority of Ford’s V-8 engines. Ford numbers the cylinders starting at the front left of the engine.
The Ford 351 engine comes in three versions: 351 (C), 351 (M), and 400 M. The letter C stands for Cleveland, whereas the letter M stands for Michigan. All of these engines fire in the same order. It’s (1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8).They are not the same as ordinary SBF (Small Block Ford) engines such as the 289, 302, and 351W.
The cylinder heads of these engines, like the Big Block Chevy engines, had canted valves. As long as the firing sequence is maintained, the placement of the spark plug wires is unimportant.

If the cap has to be adjusted, you can pull the wires and rotate them. Regardless of what you do, make sure the engine’s firing sequence is preserved.
Engine Firing Order for the Ford 351W
The firing order for Ford 351W engines is 1-3-5-7-2-6-5-4-8. This is in contrast to the majority of Ford’s V-8 engines. The cylinders are numbered starting at the front left of the engine.
Cylinders 1 through 4 are located on the passenger side, whereas cylinders 5 through 8 are located on the driver’s side. In the opposite direction, the distributor rotates.
The importance of firing in the correct Order
If the firing sequence is followed correctly, the right spark plugs will ignite, allowing the Ford 351W to operate smoothly. If the engine runs smoothly and the plug wires are removed, as when replacing spark plugs, you can tell if the engine is firing in the proper order.

To guarantee that the wires stay in the correct firing order, label them before removing them from the spark plugs. You may fix the problem by referring to the wire labels if you rearrange them wrongly.
Windsor Engine (351 Cubic Inch)
In response to public desire for additional power from ordinary engines, Ford Motor Company launched the 351 cubic inch Windsor engine in 1969. At the time, the price of gasoline per gallon was very cheap. The engines had more than 300 horsepower at the time.
Ford used the 351 Windsor as the base engine in a variety of vehicles for many years. Because of pollution regulations, Ford had to reduce the power of their engines, restricting even the most powerful Mustang to 169 horsepower.
Due to consumer demand for improved fuel efficiency and economics, Ford stopped using this engine in 2014. However, Ford Motor Company’s racing division still sells the 351 W as a crate engine.
The order in which an engine fires its cylinders is referred to as engine firing order.
The sequence in which the spark plugs ignite determines the firing order of a gasoline engine. It refers to the order in which the fuel is injected into each cylinder of a diesel engine. Each Ford Motor Company engine has a firing order that is exclusive to it.
Conclusion: A Ford Engine‘s Firing Order.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that different manufacturers have different cylinder numbering schemes. Use this interactive tool to figure out how many cylinders your engine has.
The firing orders for Ford Vehicle engines are as follows:

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