Basic Engine Questions, Firing Order and Water Out the Tailpipe Options

[Highland]

Wondering what the firing order isn't 1-4-2-3 instead of the actual 1-4-3-2. Wouldn't it make more sense to go back and forth between opposing sides? Would the engine sound smoother with 1-4-2-3?

I happen to be by my tailpipe when my engine transitioned from cold idle (~1800 rpm) to warm idle (~1000 rpm). When the rpm dropped water sputtered out the tail pipe and continued compared to dry exhaust while cold idle. I know water is a product of combustion, but does this tell me anything about running to rich or lean at these idle conditions?

[Superhawk996]

Wouldn't it make more sense to go back and forth between opposing sides? Would the engine sound smoother with 1-4-2-3?

Disregard my answer I don’t think I’m understanding the question.


Look at a T4 crank and the answer will become obvious.


You would end up with two crank pins adjacent to each other and/or one large shared crank pin / rod journal. Having only two large crank pins that are 180 degrees opposite each other would create strength issues and problematic harmonics that would bend & fatigue the crank. This would place more stress on a crank that is only supported by three bearings.

This would also have an effect on cylinder back offset between 1/2 and 3/4 sides. I suspect the cylinders would end up too close together though I admit I’m not going to look into the dimensions to prove or disprove this.

As the firing order is currently, or as proposed, it is alternating across cylinder banks.