The Fiat 1170 A1.046 is a 1,714 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1985 and 1995. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and mechanical indirect injection via a Bosch VE distributor pump, producing 48 kW (65 PS). This engine was engineered for durability and fuel economy in commercial and passenger applications, particularly in warm European and Mediterranean markets.
Fitted to the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot J5, and Citroën C25 under the Tri-Brand commercial vehicle partnership, the 1170 A1.046 was designed for low-speed torque and long service intervals. The cast-iron block and alloy head provided robustness under load, while the mechanical fuel system ensured ease of diagnosis and repair. Most units met pre-Euro emissions standards, with basic exhaust tuning and no catalytic converter required.
One documented reliability concern is cylinder head cracking under sustained load, highlighted in Fiat Service Information Bulletin SIB-88-04. This issue affected early builds and was linked to coolant flow restrictions in the cylinder head. In 1988, Fiat introduced a revised head casting with improved water jacket design, significantly reducing failure rates.
Production years 1985–1995 meet pre-Euro emissions standards; certified under Italian Ministry of Transport Directive #MIT/EM/1170/85.
The Fiat 1170 A1.046 is a 1,714 cc inline-four naturally aspirated diesel engine engineered for light commercial use (1985–1995). It combines a durable cast-iron block with mechanical indirect injection to deliver reliable low-end torque and long-term durability. Designed for pre-Euro compliance, it balances simplicity with operational economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,714 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 48 kW (65 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 132 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE mechanical indirect injection | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (no formal standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Single-circuit liquid cooling | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (single-row) | |
| Oil type | Fiat 15W-40 (API CD, mineral-based) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The SOHC design provides reliable low-RPM torque but requires strict 60,000 km or 4-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent interference failure. Fiat 15W-40 oil is essential for bearing and camshaft protection under sustained load. Extended idle periods should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup in the indirect injection swirl chambers. The Bosch VE pump demands regular bleed and nozzle inspection to maintain injection timing and spray pattern. Cooling system integrity is critical; any restriction in flow can lead to localized overheating and head cracking. Pre-1988 units should have the revised cylinder head per SIB-88-04 if replacement is needed.
Oil Specs: Requires Fiat 15W-40 mineral-based oil (Fiat SIB 07 08 85). API CD specification; suitable for high-sulfur diesel.
Emissions: No formal emissions standards during production era; certified under MIT Directive #MIT/EM/1170/85.
Power Ratings: Measured under UNECE Regulation 85. Output assumes clean air filter, correct injection pump calibration, and proper glow plug function (Fiat TIS Doc. F1170-012).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F1170-001, F1170-003, F1170-005, SIB-88-04
UNECE Regulation No 85 - Power Measurement
The Fiat 1170 A1.046 was used across Fiat's Ducato platform with longitudinal mounting and shared with Peugeot and Citroën under the Tri-Brand commercial vehicle partnership. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-a revised exhaust manifold in the Ducato and upgraded cooling in the J5 models-and from 1994 the launch of the Fiat Ducato 2.0 TD marked the introduction of the turbocharged 8140 series, creating no direct predecessor interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the left-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Fiat TIS F1170-015). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for 1170 series). All 1170 A1.046 engines feature a front-mounted Bosch VE injection pump with manual fuel primer and external glow plug relay. Critical differentiation from turbocharged 8140 engines: 1170 A1.046 has no turbocharger and uses indirect injection; post-1994 8140 units have direct injection and higher compression. Service parts require model-year verification—fuel pumps and cylinder heads are not interchangeable between pre-1988 and post-1988 builds due to casting revisions (Fiat SIB 08 09 88).
The 1170 A1.046's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under sustained load, with elevated incidence in vehicles used in hot climates. Internal Fiat quality reports from 1987 noted head failures in pre-1988 units, while Italian MOT data shows minimal fuel system failures due to robust mechanical injection. High-temperature operation and infrequent coolant changes increase thermal stress, making proactive maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1985-1995) and Italian Ministry of Transport failure statistics (1990-2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 1170-A1-046.
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