Order of spark plug wires on distributor cap?

Tiny
BLB22384
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 FORD RANGER
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
EFI— I need to know the placement of the wire order on the distributor cap. I've had a intermittent stutter for quite a while. Replaced fuel pump, fuel filter, cleaned EGR, new plugs, wires, rotor and cap. New muffler too. I downloaded the Clymer repair manual online and it shows different than I have mine. Although I have found references online that show I in fact have it right...I suspect it is my main problem but idk what the correct position is nor do I know how to align the timing if I do in fact have to move them. I have #1 at bottom left then #3 then 4 then 2 going clockwise. Thank you for y'all time.
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Sunday, July 27th, 2025 AT 8:10 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If you look below, I attached a picture showing the cylinder location and the distributor cap. Both indicate the firing order, 1-3-4-2, and how the spark plug wires need to be attached.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Sunday, July 27th, 2025 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
BLB22384
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ok thank you that is not the location of the wires I have. So my next question is can I just move them or do I need to be at tdc and or have the timing marks lined up in order to move wires & have my timing right? I hope I asked that right
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 6:18 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, you can move the wire around to match up with TDC, just as long as the firing order is correct.
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Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 10:10 AM

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