The Fiat 138 A1.000 is a 1,498 cc inline-four petrol engine produced between 1980 and 1985 as part of Fiat's mid-size family car platform. It features a cast-iron block, overhead valve (OHV) configuration, and single-barrel carburettor fuel delivery, delivering reliable performance for everyday driving and fleet applications.
Fitted to the Fiat 138 sedan and Familiare estate variants, this engine was engineered for durability and responsive low-RPM character. Emissions control was achieved through crankcase ventilation and ignition timing adjustments, meeting pre-EC Directive 70/220/EEC standards during early production and later achieving Euro 1-equivalent compliance in select markets.
One documented technical update occurred in 1982, referenced in Fiat Service Information Bulletin 82-ME-005, involving revised cylinder head gasket material to reduce head warping under sustained load. Later production batches also incorporated an improved thermostat design to minimize coolant leaks, enhancing long-term cooling system reliability.
Production years 1980–1981 meet pre-EC Directive 70/220/EEC standards; 1982–1985 models comply with updated national implementations of Euro 1-equivalent limits (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Fiat 138 A1.000 is a 1,498 cc inline-four OHV petrol engine engineered for mid-size family sedans and estate models (1980–1985). It combines a durable cast-iron block with carburettor fuel delivery to deliver dependable performance. Designed to meet early European emissions norms, it balances mechanical simplicity with ease of serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) @ 5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel carburettor (Weber 32 ICT) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-70/220/EEC; later models meet Euro 1 equivalent | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral (API SE) | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The OHV design provides linear torque delivery ideal for urban and highway cruising but requires regular valve clearance checks to maintain performance. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is essential due to compatibility with older gasket materials and camshaft lubrication requirements. Carburettor tuning should be performed annually to ensure optimal air-fuel mixture and prevent stalling. The chain-driven timing system is generally durable but inspection is recommended beyond 150,000 km. Post-1982 models benefit from improved cylinder head gasket and thermostat design, reducing head warping and coolant leakage risks. Cooling system maintenance is critical to avoid thermal stress under sustained load.
Oil Specs: Requires API SE-rated SAE 10W-40 mineral oil (Fiat SIB 82-ME-005). Not compatible with modern low-viscosity synthetics.
Emissions: Pre-1982 models comply with national equivalents of pre-70/220/EEC standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901). 1982–1985 units meet Euro 1-equivalent thresholds per UK implementation.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies slightly based on carburettor calibration and altitude (Fiat TIS Doc. B15500).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B15200, B15500, SIB 82-ME-005
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Fiat 138 A1.000 was used across Fiat's 138 platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-upgraded cooling in the Familiare estate and emissions-tuned carburettors in UK-market sedans-and from 1982 the facelifted 138 series adopted revised cylinder head components, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Fiat TIS B15300). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('A' for 1.5L A series). Pre-1982 models have chrome valve covers with ribbed air cleaners; post-1982 units use black-painted covers. Critical differentiation from 1.3L variants: The 138 A1.000 uses a Weber 32 ICT carburettor, while 1.3L models use a 30 HIF. Service parts require model-year verification—cylinder head gaskets and thermostats differ between pre- and post-1982 builds per Fiat SIB 82-ME-005.
The 138 A1.000's primary reliability risk is carburettor icing and mixture imbalance in cold climates, with elevated incidence in high-humidity environments. Internal Fiat field reports from 1983 indicated over 14% of northern European units required seasonal carburettor recalibration, while UK DVSA historic failure logs show ignition and fuel delivery issues dominate pre-1985 vehicle inspections. Infrequent maintenance and ethanol-blended fuels increase carburettor and valve train wear, making use of correct oil and fuel system cleaning critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1980-1985) and UK DVSA historic failure statistics (1980-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 138-A1-000.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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.
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