Engine Code

LANCIA A112-A5-000 engine (1969–1986) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Lancia A112 A5.000 is a 903 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1969 and 1986. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design and a carbureted fuel system, delivering outputs ranging from 31 kW (42 PS) to 33 kW (45 PS) with torque figures around 67–70 Nm. Its compact layout enables efficient packaging in Lancia's smallest hatchback.

Fitted exclusively to the Lancia A112, the A112 A5.000 was engineered for urban mobility and economical driving. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through basic carburetor tuning and exhaust systems, allowing it to meet prevailing pre-Euro standards throughout its production run.

One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, which can lead to timing chain slack and potential engine damage if neglected. This maintenance item, referenced in Lancia Service Bulletin L‑72‑04, requires periodic inspection due to its role in maintaining valve timing. Later models saw minor revisions to the tensioner design.

Lancia Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (1969–1986) meet pre-Euro standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/LAN/A112).

A112-A5-000 Technical Specifications

The Lancia A112 A5.000 is a 903 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (1969-1986). It combines SOHC architecture with a single-barrel carburetor to deliver economical performance and easy maintenance. Designed to meet pre-Euro standards, it prioritizes reliability and fuel efficiency for urban driving.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement903 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke65.0 mm × 68.0 mm
Power output31–33 kW (42–45 PS)
Torque67–70 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel systemSingle-barrel carburetor (Weber or Solex)
Emissions standardPre-Euro
Compression ratio9.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain-driven (SOHC)
Oil typeSAE 20W-50 (mineral)
Dry weight89 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated setup provides predictable, linear power ideal for city driving but requires regular valve clearance adjustments and carburetor synchronization. SAE 20W-50 mineral oil is specified for its high-temperature stability in older engine designs. The timing chain system requires periodic tensioner inspection to prevent slack; failure can cause valve timing errors. Pre-1980 models lack any emissions control beyond the carburetor; post-1980 variants may have rudimentary air injection systems.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral specification (Lancia Owner's Manual 1975). Modern multi-grade oils were not available during production.

Emissions: All models meet pre-Euro standards only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/LAN/A112). No formal emissions certification exists for this era.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J245 standards. Output varies slightly by carburetor type (Weber vs Solex) per Lancia TIS Doc. LA112-A05.

Primary Sources

Lancia Technical Information System (TIS): Docs LA112-A01, LA112-A05

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/LAN/A112)

SAE International: J245 Engine Power Certification Standards

A112-A5-000 Compatible Models

The Lancia A112 A5.000 was used exclusively in Lancia's A112 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations throughout its production run, including revised engine mounts and carburetor types for different model years. No licensing to other manufacturers occurred. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Lancia
Years:
1969–1986
Models:
A112
Variants:
Normale, Elegant, Abarth
View Source
Lancia Group PT-1980
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface of the cylinder block, adjacent to the distributor (Lancia TIS LA112-ID01). The engine code always begins with "A112". Early models (1969-1975) typically feature a Weber 30 DCH carburetor, while later models (1976-1986) often use a Solex C32 DISA. Critical differentiation: Abarth variants use a higher-compression cylinder head and twin-choke carburetor; standard A5.000 engines use a single-choke unit. Service parts like gasket sets are generally interchangeable across all years.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Lancia TIS Doc. LA112-ID01

Location:

Stamped on the flat machined surface of the cylinder block, adjacent to the distributor (Lancia TIS LA112-ID01).

Visual Cues:

  • Early (1969-1975): Weber 30 DCH carburetor
  • Late (1976-1986): Solex C32 DISA carburetor
Critical Maintenance

Issue:

The timing chain tensioner can wear, leading to chain slack and potential timing issues.

Evidence:

Lancia SIB L-72-04

Recommendation:

Inspect tensioner condition and chain slack every 40,000 km or during major services per Lancia SIB L-72-04.

Common Reliability Issues - LANCIA A112-A5-000

The A112 A5.000's primary reliability risk is carburetor wear and tuning drift, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Lancia service data indicates carburetor rebuilds are common beyond 80,000 km, while owner club surveys frequently cite distributor wear as a secondary concern. Neglected valve adjustments and use of incorrect oil make adherence to the 10,000 km service interval critical.

Carburetor wear and tuning issues
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, poor fuel economy, difficulty starting when cold or hot.
Cause: Wear of throttle shafts, jets, and float needles in the aging carburetor, leading to incorrect fuel/air mixture.
Fix: Rebuild or replace carburetor with OEM parts; synchronize and tune to factory specifications.
Distributor and ignition wear
Symptoms: Misfiring, loss of power, difficulty starting, erratic idle, visible arcing from distributor cap.
Cause: Wear of distributor shaft bushings, rotor arm, and contact breaker points, or carbon tracking in the distributor cap.
Fix: Replace distributor cap, rotor arm, and points; check/replace spark plugs and leads; verify ignition timing.
Valve train noise and clearance issues
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from the top of the engine (especially when cold), loss of power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Incorrect valve clearances due to wear of rocker arms, valve stems, or neglected adjustment intervals.
Fix: Adjust valve clearances to factory specification (0.15mm cold) using feeler gauges; inspect rocker arms for wear.
Cooling system leaks and corrosion
Symptoms: Coolant smell, puddles under car, low coolant level, overheating, white residue around hoses or water pump.
Cause: Age-hardened coolant hoses, failing water pump seals, or corrosion in the cast iron cylinder head or radiator.
Fix: Replace leaking hoses, water pump, or thermostat housing with OEM parts; flush and refill system with correct coolant mixture.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Lancia technical bulletins (1970-1985) and owner club technical surveys (1990-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about LANCIA A112-A5-000

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LANCIA A112-A5-000.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Primary Sources

LANCIA Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Official Documentation

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Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialLANCIA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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