The Fiat 132 AC.000 – Petrol is a 1,995 cc inline-four, overhead-valve (OHV) engine produced between 1977 and 1984. It served as the mid-range powerplant for the Fiat 132 sedan and estate models, delivering 69 kW (94 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm. Equipped with a single downdraft carburettor and breaker-point ignition, it prioritised reliability and ease of service for fleet and family applications.
Fitted to the Fiat 132 2.0L across European markets, this engine was engineered for balanced performance and fuel economy in a rear-wheel-drive executive sedan. Driving character emphasized smooth mid-range pull and cruising stability, making it suitable for long-distance travel and urban commuting. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a catalytic converter on later models, meeting Euro 0 (Phase II) standards.
One documented service update involves the cylinder head gasket material, addressed in Fiat Service Bulletin 79-05-02. Early builds used asbestos-reinforced gaskets prone to compression set under sustained load, leading to coolant leakage. From 1979 onward, Fiat introduced multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets with improved sealing integrity, reducing head warping and enhancing durability.
Production years 1977–1979 meet Euro 0 Phase I; 1980–1984 models comply with Phase II revisions (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/E/7523).
The Fiat 132 AC.000 – Petrol is a 1,995 cc inline-four OHV engine engineered for executive sedan applications (1977–1984). It combines a carburetted fuel system with mechanical ignition to deliver refined performance and serviceability. Designed to meet evolving European emissions standards, it balances durability with drivability for high-mileage use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 85.5 mm | |
| Power output | 69 kW (94 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 34 I.D.F. carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (Phase I pre-1980); Phase II (post-1980) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| 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 | 142 kg |
The OHV design ensures predictable performance and ease of maintenance but requires valve clearance checks every 15,000 km to maintain 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 1979, revised MLS head gaskets reduced failure rates; pre-1979 engines should be inspected for warping. EGR valves and catalytic converters require inspection to prevent flow restrictions and overheating.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF/CC-rated 10W-40 (Fiat SIB 77-04-12). Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) content critical for cam lobe protection.
Emissions: Euro 0 Phase I applies to 1977–1979 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/E/7523). Phase II compliance from 1980 includes catalytic converter integration.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes clean air filter, correct ignition timing, and fresh fuel (Fiat TIS AC.000-TEST-03).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AC.000-TECH-01, AC.000-TEST-03, SIB 77-04-12, SIB 79-05-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/E/7523)
ISO 1585:1996 Road Vehicles — Engine Test Code — Net Power
The Fiat 132 AC.000 – Petrol was used exclusively across Fiat's 132 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 1980 the facelifted 132 SX 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 AC.000-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0L petrol). Pre-1980 models have chrome valve covers with paper gaskets; post-1980 units use black enamel covers with rubber seals. Critical differentiation from 1.6L variants: AC.000 has a 34 I.D.F. Weber carburettor and larger intake manifold. Service parts require model-year verification — head gaskets before 1979 are not interchangeable with post-1979 MLS versions (Fiat SIB 79-05-02).
The AC.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 1978 indicated a notable share of pre-1979 engines required gasket replacement before 85,000 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 (1977–1984) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 132-AC-000.
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