The Fiat 146 A.000 – Petrol is a 1,297 cc inline-four, overhead-valve (OHV) engine produced between 1982 and 1987. It served as the base petrol powerplant for the Fiat 146 compact sedan, delivering 44 kW (60 PS) at 5,800 rpm and 94 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm. Equipped with a single downdraft carburettor and mechanical ignition, it prioritised simplicity and economy for urban and fleet applications.
Fitted to the Fiat 146 1.3L across European markets, this engine was engineered for low running costs and ease of service in a front-wheel-drive compact saloon. Driving character emphasized light throttle response and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city commuting and short-distance travel. Emissions compliance was achieved through positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) and air injection, meeting Euro 0 (Phase II) standards.
One documented service update involves the cylinder head gasket material, addressed in Fiat Service Bulletin 83-09-07. Early builds used asbestos-based gaskets prone to degradation under sustained thermal load, leading to coolant leakage and head warping. From 1983 onward, Fiat introduced reinforced composite gaskets with improved sealing integrity, reducing failure rates and enhancing long-term reliability.
Production years 1982–1982 meet Euro 0 Phase I; 1983–1987 models comply with Phase II revisions (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/E/8078).
The Fiat 146 A.000 – Petrol is a 1,297 cc inline-four OHV engine engineered for compact sedan applications (1982–1987). It combines a carburetted fuel system with mechanical ignition to deliver reliable performance and ease of service. Designed to meet evolving European emissions standards, it balances economy with durability for high-mileage use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,297 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 71.5 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 94 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 30 I.D.F. carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (Phase I pre-1983); Phase II (post-1983) | |
| 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 | 126 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 1983, revised composite head gaskets reduced failure rates; pre-1983 engines should be inspected for warping. PCV and air injection systems require inspection to prevent flow restrictions and oil contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF/CC-rated 10W-40 (Fiat SIB 82-08-17). Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) content critical for cam lobe protection.
Emissions: Euro 0 Phase I applies to 1982 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/E/8078). Phase II compliance from 1983 includes revised air injection routing.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes clean air filter, correct ignition timing, and fresh fuel (Fiat TIS A.000-TEST-03).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A.000-TECH-01, A.000-TEST-03, SIB 82-08-17, SIB 83-09-07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/E/8078)
ISO 1585:1996 Road Vehicles — Engine Test Code — Net Power
The Fiat 146 A.000 – Petrol was used exclusively across Fiat's 146 platform with transverse 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 1983 the facelifted 146 LX 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 A.000-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for 1.3L petrol). Pre-1983 models have chrome valve covers with paper gaskets; post-1983 units use black enamel covers with rubber seals. Critical differentiation from 1.5L variants: A.000 has a 30 I.D.F. Weber carburettor and smaller intake manifold. Service parts require model-year verification — head gaskets before 1983 are not interchangeable with post-1983 composite versions (Fiat SIB 83-09-07).
The A.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 1982 indicated a notable share of pre-1983 engines required gasket replacement before 75,000 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 (1982–1987) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 146-A-000.
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