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The 302 ford firing order is an important aspect of engine performance and efficiency. Understanding the correct firing order is crucial for proper engine operation and maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the 302 Ford firing order, exploring its significance and providing valuable insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a curious car owner, this article from Westernfordhcm will equip you with the knowledge and understanding you need to optimize your 302 Ford engine.

302 Ford Firing Order: The Ultimate Guide to Engine Performance
I. What is a Firing Order?
Firing Order on the Ford 5.0 OHV Engine
The firing Order on the Ford 5.0 OHV engine is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. This means that the spark plugs fire in this order. The firing order is important because it ensures that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. If the firing order is not correct, the engine can misfire and run rough.
Diagram of the Firing Order on the Ford 5.0 OHV Engine
Component Parts of the Firing Order on the Ford 5.0 OHV Engine
Part | Description |
---|---|
Crankshaft | The crankshaft is the main shaft in the engine that converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotary motion. |
Camshaft | The camshaft is a shaft that controls the timing of the valves in the engine. |
Distributor | The distributor is a device that distributes the electrical current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. |
Spark plugs | The spark plugs are devices that create the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. |
- Related Post: What is a Camshaft?
- Related Post: How to Replace a Distributor
- Related Post: How to Replace Spark Plugs

What is a Firing Order?
II. Step-by-Step Guide to Find the 302 Ford Firing Order
Locate the Distributor Cap
The distributor cap is a round, black plastic component located on the top of the engine. It has several wires connected to it, and it is responsible for distributing the spark to the spark plugs. To find the distributor cap, follow the spark plug wires from the spark plugs to the distributor cap.
Identify the Number 1 Spark Plug Wire
The number 1 spark plug wire is the one that is connected to the spark plug that is closest to the front of the engine. It is usually marked with a number 1 or a red stripe.
Follow the Number 1 Spark Plug Wire to the Distributor Cap
Once you have identified the number 1 spark plug wire, follow it to the distributor cap. The terminal on the distributor cap that the number 1 spark plug wire is connected to is the terminal that corresponds to the number 1 cylinder.
Determine the Firing Order
The firing order for a 302 Ford engine is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. This means that the spark plugs fire in the following order: 1, 5, 4, 2, 6, 3, 7, 8.
Check the Firing Order
To check the firing order, start by turning the engine off. Then, remove the distributor cap and inspect the terminals. The terminals should be numbered 1 through 8, and the number 1 terminal should be connected to the number 1 spark plug wire. If the terminals are not numbered, you can use a multimeter to determine which terminal is connected to which spark plug wire.
Adjust the Firing Order
If the firing order is not correct, you can adjust it by moving the spark plug wires to the correct terminals on the distributor cap. Be sure to follow the firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8.
Reinstall the Distributor Cap
Once you have adjusted the firing order, reinstall the distributor cap. Be sure to tighten the cap down securely.
Start the Engine
Start the engine and check for any misfires. If the engine is running smoothly, then you have successfully adjusted the firing order.
Cylinder | Firing Order |
---|---|
1 | 1 |
2 | 5 |
3 | 4 |
4 | 2 |
5 | 6 |
6 | 3 |
7 | 7 |
8 | 8 |

Step-by-Step Guide to Find the 302 Ford Firing Order
III. Diagram of the 302 Ford Firing Order
The 302 Ford firing order is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. This means that the spark plugs fire in the following order: cylinder 1, cylinder 5, cylinder 4, cylinder 2, cylinder 6, cylinder 3, cylinder 7, and cylinder 8.
The firing order is important because it ensures that the engine runs smoothly. If the firing order is incorrect, the engine will not run properly and may even damage itself.
Cylinder | Firing Order |
---|---|
1 | 1 |
2 | 5 |
3 | 4 |
4 | 2 |
5 | 6 |
6 | 3 |
7 | 7 |
8 | 8 |
The firing order can be determined by looking at the distributor cap. The distributor cap has eight terminals, which are numbered 1 through 8. The firing order is the order in which the terminals are connected to the spark plugs.
If you are having problems with your engine, it is important to check the firing order. If the firing order is incorrect, it can cause the engine to run poorly or even damage itself.
- The 302 Ford firing order is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8.
- The firing order is important because it ensures that the engine runs smoothly.
- If the firing order is incorrect, the engine will not run properly and may even damage itself.
- The firing order can be determined by looking at the distributor cap.
- If you are having problems with your engine, it is important to check the firing order.

Diagram of the 302 Ford Firing Order
IV. Troubleshooting Tips for Incorrect Firing Order
If you are experiencing problems with your 302 ford firing order, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. First, check to make sure that the spark plugs are properly installed. The spark plugs should be finger-tightened into the cylinder head, and then tightened an additional 1/2 turn with a wrench. Next, check to make sure that the distributor cap is properly seated on the distributor. The cap should be firmly seated on the distributor, and there should be no gaps between the cap and the distributor housing.
If you are still having problems with your 302 firing order, you may need to replace the distributor cap or the spark plugs. To replace the distributor cap, remove the two screws that hold the cap in place and pull the cap off of the distributor. Clean the inside of the cap and the contacts on the distributor with a clean cloth, and then place the new cap on the distributor. Tighten the screws to secure the cap in place.
Company | Contact | Country |
---|---|---|
Alfreds Futterkiste | Maria Anders | Germany |
To replace the spark plugs, remove the spark plug wires from the spark plugs. Use a spark plug wrench to loosen the spark plugs, and then remove them from the cylinder head. Clean the threads on the spark plugs and in the cylinder head with a clean cloth, and then install the new spark plugs. The spark plugs should be finger-tightened into the cylinder head, and then tightened an additional 1/2 turn with a wrench. Connect the spark plug wires to the spark plugs, and then start the engine.
- Ford Focus
- Ford Mustang
- Ford F-150

Troubleshooting Tips for Incorrect Firing Order
V. Other Ford Firing Orders
The 302 firing order is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. Other Ford firing orders include:
- Y-block (239, 256, 272, 292, 312): 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
- Windsor (289, 302, 351W): 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
- Cleveland (351C, 400M): 1-3-4-2-6-5-7-8
- Modular (4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L): 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
The 351C firing order is 1-3-4-2-6-5-7-8. It shares a connecting rod journal with the 351 Windsor, but the crankshaft is unique to the 351C. Engines that share a firing order with the 351C are the 302 Windsor and the 400M.
Engine | Firing Order | Shared Connecting Rod Journal |
---|---|---|
351C | 1-3-4-2-6-5-7-8 | 351 Windsor |
302 Windsor | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | 351C |
400M | 1-3-4-2-6-5-7-8 | 351C |

Other Ford Firing Orders