5.0-Liter and 5.8-Liter V8 Engines

• 1). Find the timing pointer on the timing chain cover. It sits just above the harmonic balancer. Find the timing marks on the harmonic balancer. The markings read "BTDC-30-20-10-TC-10-ATDC." If you cannot see them, bump the engine with the starter or place a ratchet and socket on the large bolt in the center of the crankshaft. If you use a ratchet, turn the bolt clockwise.
  
  
• 2). Line the balancer up with the timing pointer so that "TC" is on the pointer.
  
  
• 3). Use a ratchet and socket to remove the No. 1 spark plug. This is the first plug on the passenger's side of the engine. Insert a plastic straw into the spark plug hole. It should immediately hit the top of the piston. If not, rotate the engine one full turn so the "TC" mark is again lined up with the pointer. You should now be able to feel the top of the piston. Replace the spark plug.
  
  
• 4). Remove the distributor cap. Note which spark plug wire terminal the rotor is pointing to. This is where the No. 1wire will go. Many distributor caps have a "1" molded into the cap. Replace the cap. Insert the No. 1 spark plug wire here so you do not lose your place.
  
  
• 5). Write down the following numbers: For the 5.0-liter engine, which is a 302-cubic-inch V8, write "1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8"; for the 5.8-liter (a 351-cubic-inch V8), write "1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8." Below this, draw a diagram with two rows of four circles, which will represent the eight cylinders. The four circles on the passenger's side of the engine will be numbered, from front to rear, "1-2-3-4." The four on the driver's side will be, from front to rear, "5-6-7-8."
  
  
• 6). Starting with the No. 1 spark plug wire, insert the wires counterclockwise in the distributor cap, one at a time in the sequence in Step 5 above. The numbers in the firing order match the cylinder numbers.
  
  

4.9-Liter Inline Six-Cylinder Engine

• 1). Find the timing marker as instructed in Step 1 of Section 1 above. The difference here is that the marker has the numbers on it and will read "BTDC-14-10-6-2-0-2-6-ATDC." There will be a notch on the crankshaft pulley. Line the notch up with the "0" on the timing marker.
  
  
• 2). Use a ratchet and socket to remove the No. 1 spark plug as in Step 3 above. The No. 1 spark plug is at the front of the engine. Check the piston location as in Step 3 above.
  
  
• 3). Remove the distributor cap and note which spark plug wire terminal the rotor is pointing at. This is where you will insert the No. 1 spark plug wire. Replace the cap.
  
  
• 4). Write down the following sequence of numbers: "1-5-3-6-4-2." This is your firing order. The engine's cylinders are numbered 1 through 6 from front to rear. For the 4.9-liter V6 engine you will insert the spark plug wires in the distributor cap in a clockwise direction.