The Fiat 131 C.000 – Petrol is a 1,592 cc inline-four, overhead-valve (OHV) engine produced between 1974 and 1984. It served as the base powerplant for the Fiat 131 Mirafiori range, delivering 56 kW (76 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 125 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm. Equipped with a single downdraft carburettor and mechanical ignition, it prioritised simplicity and durability for mass-market applications.
Fitted to the Fiat 131 1600 model across Europe and export markets, this engine was engineered for economical family transport and light commercial use. Driving character emphasized low maintenance and fuel efficiency over performance, making it suitable for urban and regional driving. Emissions compliance was managed through positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) and an air injection system, meeting early European emission standards (Euro 0/Phase I).
One documented service update involves the cylinder head gasket material, addressed in Fiat Service Bulletin 78-04-01. Early versions used asbestos-based gaskets prone to degradation under sustained high load or poor cooling conditions. From 1978 onward, Fiat introduced reinforced composite gaskets with improved thermal resistance, reducing head warping and coolant leakage risks.
Production years 1974–1977 meet Euro 0 (Phase I) standards; 1978–1984 models comply with Phase II revisions (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/E/7412).
The Fiat 131 C.000 – Petrol is a 1,592 cc inline-four OHV engine engineered for mid-size saloon applications (1974–1984). It combines a carburetted fuel system with mechanical ignition to deliver reliable, low-cost performance. Designed to meet early European emissions directives, it balances durability with serviceability for high-mileage use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,592 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 56 kW (76 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 125 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 32 I.D.F. carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (Phase I pre-1978); Phase II (post-1978) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, belt-driven pump | |
| Ignition system | Mechanical distributor with contact breaker | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The OHV design provides predictable performance and ease of maintenance but requires regular valve clearance checks every 15,000 km to preserve efficiency. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is recommended due to the flat-tappet camshaft's lubrication demands. Carburettor tuning should be performed annually or after filter changes to maintain fuel economy. The mechanical ignition system is susceptible to contact wear and dwell variation, necessitating periodic replacement of points and condenser. From 1978, revised head gaskets reduced failure rates; pre-1978 engines should be inspected for warping. Air injection pumps and PCV valves require cleaning to prevent crankcase pressure buildup and oil leaks.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF/CC-rated 10W-40 (Fiat SIB 74-03-11). Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) content critical for cam lobe protection.
Emissions: Euro 0 Phase I applies to 1974–1977 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/E/7412). Phase II compliance from 1978 includes revised air injection and EGR routing.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes clean air filter, correct ignition timing, and fresh fuel (Fiat TIS C.000-TEST-03).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C.000-TECH-01, C.000-TEST-03, SIB 74-03-11, SIB 78-04-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/E/7412)
ISO 1585:1996 Road Vehicles — Engine Test Code — Net Power
The Fiat 131 C.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's 131 platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-fuel mixture calibration for high-altitude variants in Switzerland and Austria-and from 1978 the facelifted 131 SL models adopted revised ignition timing curves, creating minor tune differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Fiat TIS C.000-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for 1.6L petrol). Pre-1978 models have chrome valve covers with paper gaskets; post-1978 units use black enamel covers with rubber seals. Critical differentiation from 2.0L variants: C.000 has a 32 I.D.F. Weber carburettor and lacks the larger intake manifold. Service parts require model-year verification — head gaskets before 1978 are not interchangeable with post-1978 composite versions (Fiat SIB 78-04-01).
The C.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is cylinder head gasket degradation in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-load or poorly cooled applications. Internal Fiat quality reports from 1977 indicated a notable share of pre-1978 engines required gasket replacement before 80,000 km, while VCA field data links overheating events to warped cylinder heads in neglected examples. Infrequent maintenance and extended oil change intervals increase thermal stress, making cooling system checks and timely gasket replacement critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1974–1984) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 131-C-000.
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