Have you ever heard of the 351W engine and wondered what it is? As an enthusiast of cars and engines, I found myself in the same situation until I decided to dig deeper and discover its secrets.
During my research, I stumbled upon something quite interesting, the firing order. I was curious about what it is and how it affects an engine’s performance. However, this article will look closely at the 351W engine and its firing order. It will also explain what it is, how it works, and its importance in engine performance.
If you’re curious about the 351W engine and its firing order, this article will greatly help. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
What Is 351W Firing Order?
The 351W firing order is the sequence in which the spark plugs ignite the fuel in the cylinders in a 351W engine. The firing order for the 351W is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. This means that the spark plug in the first cylinder fires first, followed by the spark plug in the third, then the seventh, and so on.
The firing order is an important aspect of engine performance as it affects the smoothness and efficiency of the engine. A proper firing order ensures that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, while an incorrect firing order can lead to engine misfires, poor fuel economy, and reduced power.
Also, the location of the spark plugs and the distributor determines the firing order. The distributor rotates and sends a spark to the spark plug in the specified order. The order is determined by the location of the spark plug and the distributor rotor, which turns and sends a spark to the spark plug in the specified order.
Finally, the firing order is determined by the rotation of the crankshaft, which is connected to the engine’s pistons. The crankshaft rotates in a specific sequence that is timed to match the firing order of the spark plugs.
The History of the 351W
The 351W was first introduced in 1969 and was offered in various Ford models, including the Mustang, Torino, and F-series trucks. It was also offered in luxury vehicles like the Lincoln and Mercury models. The engine was produced in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and was available in both 2-barrel and 4-barrel carburetor versions, with power outputs ranging from 250 to 290 horsepower.
The 351W engine was known for its high power output and durability. Its reputation for performance and reliability made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and builders. The engine’s design also made it easy to modify and upgrade, contributing to its popularity among the hot-rodding community. Even today, the 351W engine is still sought after for its power, versatility, and durability.
How Does the 351W Firing Order Works?
The 351W firing order controls the timing of when each cylinder’s spark plug ignites the fuel in the cylinder. The engine control module, also known as the ECM, sends a signal to the ignition coil, sending a high-voltage spark to the spark plugs. The spark plugs are connected to the engine’s pistons and cylinders, and when the spark plugs fire, they ignite the fuel in the cylinders, causing the pistons to move and turn the crankshaft.
The firing order of the 351W engine is specifically designed to ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. The order in which the spark plugs fire is timed to match the engine’s rotation and the movement of the pistons. This ensures that the combustion process in each cylinder is synchronized and that the engine’s power is delivered smoothly and consistently.
In addition, the firing order also plays a role in engine balance and vibration. The order in which the cylinder’s fire is chosen reduces the engine’s vibration and provides a balance of power across the engine.
What Is the Importance of the Firing Order in Engine Performance?
1. Engine Synchronization
The firing order ensures that the combustion process in each cylinder is synchronized, which helps the engine run smoothly and efficiently. The ignition of the spark plugs in the correct sequence helps to ensure that the pistons move in a coordinated manner and the engine functions as a cohesive unit. This helps to improve the engine’s overall performance by reducing vibration, increasing power and fuel efficiency, and extending the engine’s lifespan.
2. Power Delivery
The firing order affects the way power is delivered across the engine. The proper firing order ensures that the engine delivers power smoothly and consistently. By firing the cylinders in a specific sequence, the engine can deliver power more evenly and efficiently, resulting in better acceleration, improved fuel economy, and increased overall power.
3. Vibration Reduction
The firing order plays a role in reducing engine vibration by arranging the cylinders in a specific order. When the cylinders fire in a specific sequence, the engine’s vibration is minimized, improving the engine’s longevity and reducing the amount of wear and tear on its internal components.
4. Engine Balance
The firing order also helps to provide a balance of power across the engine by firing the cylinders in a specific sequence. By firing the cylinders in a specific order, the engine can balance each cylinder’s power output, which helps reduce vibration and improve overall performance.
5. Fuel Efficiency
A proper firing order can improve fuel efficiency by ensuring the engine runs as efficiently as possible. The correct firing order allows the engine to burn fuel more efficiently, which can result in improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
6. Avoiding Engine Misfires
An incorrect firing order can cause engine misfires, leading to poor performance and damage to the engine. A proper firing order helps avoid engine misfires by ensuring that the spark plugs fire in the correct sequence, preventing engine damage and extending the engine’s lifespan.
Ford Engine Firing Order
| Engine | Firing Order |
| Ford 302 (HO) | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
| Ford 302 (Non-HO) | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 |
| Ford 5.4 | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
| Ford 5.0 liter V8 VIN “N” | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 |
| Ford 5.0 liter V8 VIN “P” | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
| Ford 4.6 V8 | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
| Ford 390 | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 |
| Ford 351 | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
| Ford 351W | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
Note: The 351W design is similar to other V8 engine designs, such as the Ford FE and the Chevrolet small-block V8. These engines also have a 90-degree V-angle design and share many of the same benefits, such as reduced vibration and improved balance and stability. However, the 351W engine is known for its high power output and durability, which sets it apart from other V8 engines.
What Are the Problems Associated With 351W Firing Orders?
1. Engine Misfires
An incorrect firing order can cause engine misfires, leading to poor performance, poor fuel economy, and damage to the engine. When the spark plugs fire out of sequence, the engine may not run smoothly, resulting in missing or weak combustion in one or more cylinders. This can cause a loss of power, increased emissions, and can damage to the catalytic converter.
2. Reduced Power and Efficiency
An incorrect firing order can result in poor engine synchronization, reducing power and fuel efficiency. When the engine is not firing in the correct sequence, the combustion process may not be as efficient, resulting in less power and increased fuel consumption. This can also cause a reduction in engine performance and an increase in emissions.
3. Increased Vibration
An incorrect firing order can cause increased engine vibration, leading to wear and tear on internal components. The vibration can cause parts to wear out faster and can cause damage to the engine’s internal components. It can also cause stress on the engine’s mountings and cause noise and vibration in the cabin.
4. Damaged Components
An incorrect firing order can cause damage to the spark plugs, ignition coils, and other engine components. The spark plugs can become fouled, damaged, or worn out prematurely. Additionally, the ignition coils can become damaged due to overloading, and this can cause poor spark quality and reduced engine performance.
5. Reduced Engine Lifespan
An incorrect firing order can cause increased wear and tear on internal components, reducing the engine’s lifespan. The engine may not last as long as it should and must be replaced sooner than expected. Additionally, a reduction in engine performance and efficiency can cause increased emissions and fuel consumption, which could be costly in the long run.
How to Fix Incorrect Firing Order
The best way to fix an incorrect firing order is to consult the vehicle’s service manual or a professional mechanic. A qualified technician can diagnose the problem and determine the correct firing order for your specific engine.
Here are some steps that a mechanic may take to fix an incorrect firing order:
1. Verify the Firing Order
The first step is to verify the firing order. This can be done by consulting the service manual or by using a timing light to check the timing of the spark plugs.
2. Check the Distributor
The next step is to check the distributor. If the distributor is installed incorrectly, it can cause the engine to fire out of sequence. A technician will check to ensure that the rotor is pointing to the correct cylinder and that the distributor cap is installed correctly.
3. Check the Spark Plug Wires
The technician will check the wires to ensure they are connected to the correct spark plugs. Also, the engine may fire out of sequence if the wires are connected incorrectly.
4. Check the Ignition Coil
The technician will check the ignition coils to ensure they are functioning correctly. If the coils are not working correctly, the engine may not fire or fire out of sequence.
5. Check for Any Other Issues
The technician will check for any other issues causing the incorrect firing order. This could include issues with the timing chain, camshaft, or crankshaft.
FAQs
Do All 351W Have the Same Firing Order?
Although the standard firing order for a 351W engine is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, some manufacturers or engine builders may have used a different firing order for specific applications or to improve performance. It’s always best to check the vehicle’s service manual or consult a professional to confirm the correct firing order for your specific engine.
Read: How to Reset Service Brake Assist
Conclusion
The 351W firing order is a critical aspect of engine performance. An incorrect firing order can lead to various problems, including engine misfires, reduced power and efficiency, increased vibration, damaged components, and reduced engine lifespan. It’s important to ensure that the correct firing order is used and to avoid any modifications that could cause the firing order to be incorrect. It’s always best to consult the vehicle’s service manual or a professional to confirm the correct firing order for your specific engine and ensure that any repairs are done properly.