Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim
The firing order for a 302-engine Ford is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8, and the distributor turns counterclockwise. 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 is the firing order for a small block Ford 302 HO/351W. The firing order on newer HO engines is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. The firing order on older models is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8.
Key Takeaways
- In order to find the firing order of a Ford 302 engine, you have to identify the engine’s distributor
- The distributor is the main component of an engine that provides high voltage to the spark plugs in the proper order and timing
- You will find the number 1 cylinder at the front of the engine and the number 8 cylinder near the firewall on the driver’s side
- The main difference between the Ford 302 engine and the 302 HO engine is the output power; the 302 HO engine is designed to provide more power
Ford 302 Firing Order
The firing orders for early 302 engines are the same as for the 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 firing order of the later 302 engines (marine) was the same as that of the 351 W engines, with LH = 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 and RH = 1-8-4-5-6-2-7-3. The transition took place between 1972 and 1974.
Furthermore, 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 closest to the firewall and are located on the passenger side of the engine.
Cylinders 5, 6, 7, and 8 are located near the firewall on the driver’s side. The same setup applies to HO 302 engines.
Follow the procedures below to check the ignition order on your 302 engine:
1. Disconnect the gasket from the valve cover.
2. Use your hand to turn the engine over and place a large socket on the anterior crankshaft bolt to begin.
3. Turn the crank with a long ratchet wrench attached to the socket.
4. Place cylinder 1 in the Top Dead Centre position (TDC). The farthest point on the piston from the crankshaft is the Top Dead Center.
5. Place your finger in the cavity of the first spark plug. While doing this, use a flashlight and enlist the help of someone else.
6. To find the Top Dead Centre, use the timing marks on the pulley.
7. Hand-start the engine once more. This time, it will be a little more difficult because you will be moving against the machine and its accessories.
8. Please keep track of the firing order of the spark plugs and double-check that it is right. It makes no difference whether the sequence is altered. But take note of the order in which the intake valves open for each cylinder. You will learn the firing order for the 302 Ford engine by doing so.
What Is The Firing Order On A Ford 302 HO?
The ignition sequence for the modern Ford 302 HO engine is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, the same as the 351W engine. The distributor on this engine turns counterclockwise, similar to the Ford 302.
The distributor receives electric current from the ignition coil; then, it sends a voltage pulse to the spark plugs correctly.
From 1987 through 1995, the 302 HO engine featured in the Mustang series is also used in other vehicles, such as the Cougar and several Lincolns. This eight-cylinder engine includes forged pistons, a 9.0-1 compression ratio, and massive throttle bodies. The firing order of the 302 HO is checked in the same way as the Ford 302.
When Did The Ford 302 Engine Go Obsolete?
The engine was not particularly popular because it only produced 315 horsepower, significantly less than engines like the Ford 427 and Ford 428. The Ford 302 (5.0) engine was phased out in North America at the end of 1995, ending 27 years of service, and was replaced by the Ford 4.6 liter engine.
What Is The Difference Between A 302 And A 302 HO?
The engine block, connecting rod, and crankshaft mechanism are all the same in the Ford 302 and 302 HO. However, there are notable differences between them. The 302 HO is a step up from the 302 performance.
The rockers on the Ford 302 are mechanical, whereas the 302 HO has rocker rollers in its engine. Mechanical rockers are inferior to rocker rollers.
Rocker rollers have more mobility because of the bearing at the bottom.
The normal 302 engine produces 160-190 horsepower, while the 302 HO produces 215-225 horsepower. Injectors, headers, pistons, cam base diameters, and firing orders vary.
The Firing Order Of Ford Engines
Gasoline and diesel engines are the two types of engines available. Spark plugs in gasoline engines ignite the fuel, while fuel is injected and burned in diesel engines when the air is compressed to a boiling state.
Furthermore, the engine’s firing order is determined by the order in which the spark plugs fire (in gasoline engines) and fuel is injected (in diesel engines).
Ford Company has produced a variety of truck engines with varying sizes, capacities, and power outputs. Seven of these truck engines have been used as the driving force behind various Ford Truck models over the years.
| Ford Engine name | Firing Order |
| 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 |
| 390 | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 |
| 351 | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
The firing order on back Ford automobiles begins with the cylinder on the front passenger side of the engine. It follows a confined path from the vehicle’s rear to the driver’s side piston.
The first cylinder in the ignition sequence for front-wheel-drive cars is positioned right on the engine’s back. Let’s look at a practical example of an engine’s firing order.
The ignition pattern in which the spark plugs light up the cylinders in tandem with the distributor. It refers to the order in which fuel is injected into the combustion system in Ford’s diesel trucks. When fixing a Ford engine, every mechanic understands the necessity of keeping the proper firing sequence.
When the cylinders go through intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust strokes, this simple design generates the power to drive the crankshaft. A misalignment of the spark plugs might cause the engine to stall, refuse to start, or operate poorly.
Is T he Firing Order Important?
Yes. Ford Engine experts designed the ignition system to ensure power stability and improve your driving experience. If you’re a car lover, you should know the firing order of your 302 or 302 HO engine. Suppose the firing order is incorrect or delayed; your car engine will not start as expected.
Hi, I’m Leepu Da Maxim, a dedicated car enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in this field, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with fellow car enthusiasts like you. My journey began in my hometown West Jordan, Utah, where my fascination with the mechanics and design of cars sparked at a young age. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a commitment to providing accurate, insightful, and engaging information about all things automotive through CarsAmazing.
