Dodge 318 Firing Order: Know the Right Sparking Sequence?

What is the firing order for Dodge 318? Well, it’s in the clockwise direction on the 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 order.

There’s nothing worse than getting in a car and turning the ignition key, only to have the 318 engine not start. It’s frustrating, and it can be dangerous. Fortunately, there’s a way to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. That’s called the Dodge 318 firing order, and it’s the key to knowing which part of the vehicle you need to fire first before it starts.

Here, in this guide, we will look at the different 318 engine versions and discuss their firing sequences.

Dodge 318 Firing Order Diagram

This is a fuel-injected, big-block V8 engine. Plus, it has two valves per cylinder and produces 230 horsepower (average). The order diagram of the 318 engine is:

The 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th cylinders were on the left side. On the other hand, the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th cylinders are positioned on the right side.

Working Process

When it comes to servicing engine cylinders, the first thing we do is check the order. There are many versions of the 318 engine; thus, there’s a slight difference in their working process. Below based on the versions, we’ll show you where the spark plugs are and the suitable firing sequences. And all other models mostly follow the same.

1970 Dodge 318 Firing Order

This engine has an EFI system and produces 230 horsepower. Also, it contains eight cylinders, four spark plugs, and two ignition coils. Unlike some of its predecessor models, it had a firing sequence that placed the cylinders in a side-by-side configuration. This sequence allowed for better fuel economy by allowing more air to be burned during each engine cycle.

1974 Dodge 318 Firing Order

It is a mid-sized engine that produces 200 horsepower and is comprised of 8 cylinders arranged in a V8 configuration. Each cylinder has its camshaft and operates independently within its firing sequence. This means that the cylinders can be fired in only 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 order.

1975 Dodge 318 Firing Order

It is another reliable engine that is reasonably fuel-efficient. Like all others, it has one carburetor, so the firing is in the 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 sequence.

The first and last cylinders fire together (1 and 8), the next two cylinders fire together (4 and 3), then again two-cylinder fires (6 and 5), and at last cylinders fire (7 and 2) well.

1977 Dodge 318 Firing Order

This highly durable model consists of 2 door sedan powered by a 318 cubic inch (5.2 L) V8 engine that produces 145 horsepower.

The firing sequence is in 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 order, were on the driver’s side 1-3-5-7 cylinders and on the passenger’s side 2-4-6-8 cylinders. This order works from front to back in the clockwise direction. All cylinders are placed in the front of the engine, and they all work together to make the engine function properly.

1985 Dodge 318 Firing Order

One of the vintage and most sturdy engines back then. Plus, it got two valves per cylinder and uses 4 spark plugs to fire each cylinder. Here, the valves and spark plugs are located in the middle section of the cylinder heads and are connected to the valve and spark plug cap by a tube called the valve cover gasket.

Its firing sequence starts with the engine at number 1. This means that all the cylinders are fired in sequence, starting with the topmost cylinder and working as usual, which is 8, 4, 3, 6, 5, 7, and 2.

1987 Dodge 318 Firing Order

In the ’80s, this engine was quite popular due to its small size and maneuverability. Also, it is built with a cast-iron block and aluminum heads, which help reduce weight and make it more durable. Interestingly, it was the only V8 engine without a distributor.

The 87’s 318 engine was revised with an interesting firing structure. The odd number cylinders are on the left side, and the even number cylinders are on the right side. This change improved fuel economy and performance because each cylinder can work more efficiently when firing at its optimal timing.

1988 Dodge 318 Firing Order

This engine model has been in production since 1988 and still runs today. The 318 is a V8 engine that produces a total of 172 horsepower. Plus, it has two valves per cylinder and runs on unleaded fuel.

The firing sequence for the 88’s 318 engine is similar to the previous models. This means the pistons will be firing in this order: left to right cylinder from top to bottom.

1990 Dodge 318 Firing Order

The V8 engine is known for its trustworthiness and domination. Its 8-cylinder configuration has a displacement of 5.2L and produces 170 horsepower. Additionally, the engine is located between the front wheels and the driver’s side of the cabin. Furthermore, its firing sequence is left to right in order.

1998 Dodge 318 Firing Order

A 4-speed automatic transmission V8 engine also consists of one overhead camshaft. Plus, it’s situated vehicle’s rear side. This 5.2 Dodge 318 firing order is as follows: 1, 8, 4, 3, 6, 5, 7, and 2.

318 Firing Cycle And Tips

The firing cycle for a 318 comes down to timing and compression. Some certain things a user needs to be familiar with. Firstly, you must ensure that your pistons are at the Top Dead Center (TDC). Secondly, you need to ensure that your spark plugs are fully engaged. Finally, make sure that your air filter is clean and free from debris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the firing order for the Dodge Chrysler SMALL BLOCK engine?

The order is on 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 from front to back (clockwise direction).

What is the firing order for a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?

The Dodge Ram 318 firing order is the combination of 1-3-5-7 and 8-6-4-2.

Conclusion

The Dodge 318 firing order provides an overview of how the engine fires during normal operation. This information can help you maintain your car’s performance and avoid any potential engine problems. We hope the guide article was useful for you.

Thanks.

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Dodge 318 Firing Order: Know the Right Sparking Sequence?