The Alfa Romeo AR 00112 – Petrol is a 1,712 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1983 and 1992. It was engineered as a compact, lightweight powerplant for Alfa Romeo's front-wheel-drive compact segment, featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) layout and Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection. In standard tune it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 148 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, emphasizing fuel efficiency and responsive urban driving characteristics.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo 33 and its derivatives, the AR 00112 – Petrol was designed for agile handling and balanced weight distribution. Its transverse mounting and compact design made it ideal for hatchback applications, prioritizing interior space and drivetrain efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through a catalytic converter and lambda feedback system, enabling Euro 0 compliance for post-1990 models.
One documented reliability concern involves premature wear of the timing belt tensioner, particularly in vehicles subjected to extended service intervals or high-temperature operation. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 84.02.01, is attributed to elastomer degradation in the tensioner's damping mechanism. In 1988, an updated tensioner design with improved heat-resistant materials was introduced across the production run to enhance durability.
Production years 1983–1989 meet Euro 0 standards; 1990–1992 models comply with Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5683).
The Alfa Romeo AR 00112 – Petrol is a 1,712 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1983–1992). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end performance and efficient fuel consumption. Designed to meet evolving emissions standards, later models achieved Euro 1 compliance through catalytic converter integration and oxygen sensor feedback control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,712 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (pre-1990); Euro 1 (1990–1992) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven (replace every 90,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SH/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 122 kg |
The SOHC design enables fuel-efficient performance ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 90,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic failure. The Bosch L-Jetronic system depends on stable sensor inputs—particularly from the airflow meter and coolant temperature sensor—to maintain idle stability and throttle response. Timing belt tensioner failures are more common in engines with delayed service; pre-1988 units should verify tensioner condition during major service. Post-1988 models benefit from updated tensioner design per Alfa Romeo SIB 84.02.01. Catalytic converter lifespan is sensitive to misfires and prolonged rich running, which can be traced to faulty injectors or sensor drift.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SH/CD specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 84.02.01). Supersedes ACEA B3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1990–1992 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5683). Pre-1990 models meet Euro 0.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified at 6,000 rpm with stock exhaust and intake (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A19450).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18900, A19450, SIB 84.02.01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5683)
ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption and range
The Alfa Romeo AR 00112 – Petrol was used across Alfa Romeo's Series 3 platform with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds for improved packaging in 33 1.7i models—and from 1988 the updated timing belt tensioner addressed premature wear issues, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Alfa Romeo TIS A18950). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('E' for 1.7L SOHC petrol). Pre-1988 models use the original tensioner with black rubber damping element; post-1988 units feature a revised design with ribbed housing and improved heat shielding. Critical differentiation: US-spec 33 1.7i includes EGR and catalytic converter, while some European models in early production lack a catalytic converter. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belt kits for pre-1988 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions (Alfa Romeo SIB 84.02.01).
The AR 00112 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner wear on pre-1988 builds, with increased failure rates observed in vehicles operated in hot climates. Internal Alfa Romeo service reports from 1989 indicated a notable share of engines required tensioner replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show a significant portion of emissions failures linked to belt-related misfire codes in high-mileage units. Extended service intervals and thermal cycling increase wear risk, making component inspection and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1983–1992) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR00112.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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