Ford 4.6 Firing Order [With Diagram]

The Ascot series of Ford V8s were replaced by the 4.6-liter engine. The 221 fluid-inch V8 debuted in the 1962 Ford Fairlane could eventually be available in numerous familiar-sounding sizes (289, 302, and 351) and eventually, drive anything from Falcons to F-350s. Despite its versatility, it has already served its time.

Ford knew it was necessary to shift on, and the 4.6 was a clear indication of that. Originally called “Modular Engines,” Ford’s 4.6 liter V8 was the earliest of its kind. When defining the 4.6, 5.4, and 6.8 liter V8s, “modular” was intended to characterize the production technique, not an allusion to the transferability of components.

Firing order of Ford 4.6

  • The firing order for Ford 4.6L V8 engines is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8

Explanation of Ford 4.6 firing order diagram 

2009 Ford 4.6 has a firing order of 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. The vehicle’s flawless running depends on precise sequencing. F150 pickup vehicles and other F Model medium-duty vehicles suffer as a result, as do their engines. The Ford 4.6’s 8 pistons are positioned front to rear consecutively. Each half has two rows of four pistons.

Apart from the Coyote 5.0, all Ford V8 cylinders have an identical firing sequence. Piston #1 on the left rear is when the Ford 4.6 V8 engine’s Engine Control Module (ECM) starts firing valves. Cylinder #3, placed on the opposite flank as #2, is the third to be fired. This one is Cylinder #7, which is placed on bank two, immediately adjacent to Cylinder #6.

Early versions of the Ford 4.6 engine were equipped with a dump spark igniting mechanism. It was under the jurisdiction of the ECM. The engine is fitted with two sets of coils when using this setup. Four wires make up each cluster. They’re all arranged in a certain way to work along with the respective piston bank spark electrodes.

The ECM transmits a message to two pistons at the same time. There is always at least one cylinder on the discharge side although only one has to be fired up. The spark impulse is therefore wasted in such a plug. This is how the wasteful spark igniting system gets its name for the 4.6 firing order.

The firing order applies to 

The firing order of Ford 4.6 is applicable for

  • Non-HO Ford 302 engine
  • HO Ford 302 engine
  • Ford 5.4 engine
  • Ford 5L V8 VIN “P” engine
  • Ford 5L V8 VIN “N” engine

Torque Specifications

LocationLBSN-M
BellHousing To Engine Block39644.74
Bracket/Stay To Timing Chain/Belt Cover​55262.37
Camshaft To Cylinder Head22825.76

Ford 4.6 Firing Order diagram

Check LS Firing Order 

How does a coil-on-plug system work for a 4.6 Ford firing order?

Coil-on-plug combustion methods were debuted in the 2010 ford 4.6 firing order. It is a different circuit for every sparking bulb in this configuration. Each of these components is controlled directly by the ECM, with no involvement from the distributing coil.

As a result, there are eight cables connecting its management unit to all of the pistons’ spark plugs. Another name for this kind of igniting arrangement is “distributor-less.” When the crankshaft or camshaft is at TDC, a detector measures its orientation to identify the next cylinder that has to be ignited.

The ECM’s igniting module receives a signal from this device. Coils for the spark plugs are triggered by the ECM, and they ignite. Once the operation has been completed, ECM repeats it in the sequence it has memorized.

What are the main causes of the incorrect firing order of Ford 4.6?

There are numerous explanations why a Ford 4.6’s firing sequence can be a little wonky.

Outlet coils, signaling cables from the microprocessor, distributing interconnections, crankshaft/camshaft motion detector, and injectors are the major equipment accountable for the appropriate succession of ignition system actuation.

Firing Order for similar vehicles 

  • Ford 390 engine: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
  • Ford 4.6 V8 engine: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
  • Ford 351 engine: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
  • Ford 351W engine: 1-3-5-7-2-6-5-4-8

Try Out D16Y7 Firing Order

Faulty wiring to spark plug

Depending on the igniting arrangement, impulses are sent to spark plug coils by the motor processor or management component through distributions or a straight contact. Whenever the throttle is shut or the cylinder is in the emission configuration,  it may operate.

Ruined crankshaft position 

The ECM receives information from the crankshaft/camshaft positioning monitor on were to discharge the very first ignition plug. An improper fuse will be fired, and the entire sequence will be disrupted if the microprocessor is malfunctioning or provides an inaccurate message.

Ignition sparking fuse 

A good firing sequence can only be ensured by having a functioning spark plug. In the event of a defective or malfunctioning spark plug, you would receive a firing sequence with the problematic chambers missing. Sound waves, a squeaky engine, and a refusal to start are just a few of the signs you’ll notice.

More details on the Engine models

The engine’s diameter and stroke were both exactly 90.2 millimeters, making it practically square in shape. The 1991 Mercury Town Vehicle’s V8 was the first American-built V8 with a ceiling-mounted cam cylinder system at the time of its launch.

For the last thirty years, American customers had been used to stretched valve V8s, and the ceiling-mounted cam was a major change. This may be why the 4.6 is often misconstrued and also making the Ford 4.6 a good engine.

Some of the 4.6L engines manufactured by Ford aren’t interchangeable. Since it was manufactured for more than 20 years, there are a few distinct models to choose from, including the 2, 3, and 4-valve 4.6 V8s. During its existence, each cylinder engine undergoes some upgrading.

In addition, certain models have undergone considerable revisions in terms of their outside styling. The “Terminator” iron block and supercharged go into the SVT Cobra “Robocop” filter structure 4.6L 2003-2004.

Check Out 440 Firing Order

What happens if your Ford 390 firing order is incorrect?

The engine will never run in the manner planned if the firing sequence is incorrect or interrupted. It begins with the valves being opened, the air being injected into the blended fuels, the combination being compressed, and finally, the ignition plugs being fired.

You’ll frequently hear a loud boom while an engine is going. Known as faltering, it is caused by combustion in the entrance track or emission chamber. Backfiring occurs when the company’s cabling arrangement varies for any reason, leading to loss of energy and harm to engine components as a consequence.

Incorrect ignition system firing sequence results in a loud functioning. It might be caused by incomplete combustion, hammers colliding with gates, or two chambers firing at the same time. The piston number has no bearing on the firing sequence. To indicate where the next set of ignition needles will be, it employs piston identification. As a result, they each fulfill a distinct function.

Try 2010 Honda Odyssey Firing Order 

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Jake Mayock