Ford 5.8 Firing Order [With Diagram]

Knowing the firing order is important for the proper operation of the engine and its components such as the spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor, and fuel injectors. If the firing order is incorrect, it can cause engine misfires, poor performance, and potential engine damage.

Firing order for Ford 5.8

  • The firing order for Ford 5.8 engines is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8

Explanation of Ford 5.8 firing order

The Ford 5.8-liter engine is also said to be the 351 Windsor engine. It basically has eight cylinders arranged in a “V” configuration. The firing order for the Ford 5.8-liter engine is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, which means that the engine’s cylinders fire in the following order:

  • Cylinder 1 fires first
  • Cylinder 3 fires next
  • Cylinder 7 fires next
  • Cylinder 2 fires next
  • Cylinder 6 fires next
  • Cylinder 5 fires next
  • Cylinder 4 fires next
  • Cylinder 8 fires last

The firing order is determined by the engine’s camshaft, which controls the timing of the engine’s valves. The camshaft has lobes that press on the engine’s pushrods, which in turn actuate the valves. By controlling the timing of the valves, the camshaft ensures that the engine’s air and fuel are properly mixed and ignited in each cylinder at the right time, which results in efficient combustion and optimal performance.

It’s important to note that the firing order for an engine is not the same as the order of the engine’s spark plug wires, which connect the spark plugs to the distributor cap in the correct order. The spark plug wires need to be connected in the correct order to ensure that the spark plugs fire in the correct sequence according to the firing order.

Firing order applies to 

  • 5.8 HO
  • 5.8 Marine
  • 5.8 Lightning

Torque Specifications 

Fastener TypeTorque Spec
Main cap bolts45 - 86 ft. - lbs
Connecting Rod Bolts Connecting Rod Bolts58 ft. - lbs
Rocker Arms Studs99 - 130 ft. - lbs
Oil Pump Bolts Oil Pump Bolt53 ft. - lbs
Cam Sprocket Bolts90 ft. - lbs
Harmonic Damper Bolt40 ft. - lbs

What is the importance of the firing order in the Ford 5.8 engine?

The firing order is an essential component of any internal combustion engine, including the Ford 5.8 engine. Engine performance and smooth operation depend on the sequence in which the engine’s cylinders fire.

In the Ford 5.8 engine, the firing order determines the timing of the engine’s valves and ignition system. The camshaft, which controls the valve timing, is designed to match the firing order to ensure that the intake and exhaust valves open and close at the right time. The spark plugs, ignition coils, and distributor are also timed to the firing order to ensure that the spark plugs ignite the air and fuel mixture in the correct order.

Check Out 6.0 Powerstroke Firing Order

What is the recommended spark plug gap for a Ford 5.8 engine?

The recommended spark plug gap for a Ford 5.8 engine is 0.044 inches (1.11 mm). A spark plug gap that is too large can cause the spark to be erratic or not jump across the gap at all, which can result in misfires and engine damage. It’s important to note that not all spark plugs are created equal and the recommended gap may vary depending on the specific type of spark plug used.

Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct spark plug gap and use high-quality spark plugs designed for the Ford 5.8 engine.

Firing Orders for similar vehicles 

  • Ford Bronco
  • Ford F-150
  • Ford F-250
  • Ford F-350
  • Ford Mustang GT
  • Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
  • Ford LTD Crown Victoria
  • Ford Country Squire
  • Ford LTD Crown Victoria
  • Lincoln Town Car

Can a faulty ignition coil cause an incorrect firing order in a Ford 5.8 engine?

A faulty ignition coil can cause a misfire or no spark at all in a Ford 5.8 engine, but it is unlikely to cause an incorrect firing order. The ignition coil does not control the firing order; it simply provides the spark to the spark plug at the appropriate time as determined by the engine’s firing order.

However, it is unlikely to cause an incorrect firing order. The firing order is determined by the engine’s design, and issues with the ignition coil will not typically affect this.

Jake Mayock