The Fiat 146 A1.000 is a 1,197 cc inline-four petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1991. It powered the entry-level Fiat Tipo (Type 160) hatchback and saloon variants, delivering 48 kW (65 PS) with 98 Nm of torque. Featuring a cast-iron block, SOHC valvetrain, and single-choke carburettor (Weber 30/32 DRSA), it was engineered for urban economy and low running costs in compact family applications.
Fitted to the Fiat Tipo 1.2L models, the A1.000 was tuned for responsive city driving and light-load cruising. Its design emphasized fuel efficiency and ease of servicing, making it ideal for European markets with high fuel prices and tax bands based on displacement. Emissions control was managed via precision carburetion and early catalytic converter systems, allowing compliance with Euro 1 standards from 1986 onward.
One documented engineering update occurred in 1988, referenced in Fiat Service Information Bulletin A1-88-08, involving revised idle jet calibration to improve cold-start stability and reduce hydrocarbon emissions. This recalibration was implemented via updated carburettor jetting and was applicable to all model years, reflecting Fiat's ongoing emissions optimization efforts.
Production years 1986–1991 comply with Euro 1 emissions standards as implemented in Italy and EU markets (Italian Ministry of Transport Type Approval #MIT/86/A1000).
The Fiat A1.000 is a 1,197 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1986–1991). It combines SOHC architecture with single-choke carburetion to deliver balanced performance and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet early emissions regulations, it balances economy with serviceability for daily driving applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,197 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.0 mm × 71.5 mm | |
| Power output | 48 kW (65 PS) | |
| Torque | 98 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-choke carburettor (Weber 30/32 DRSA) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Single-row timing belt | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SF/CC | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The SOHC design ensures predictable performance and ease of maintenance but requires strict adherence to 30,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent valve damage. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is recommended for longevity, especially in high-temperature climates. The Weber 30/32 DRSA carburettor needs periodic adjustment of idle mixture and choke operation. The 1988 idle jet recalibration (Fiat SIB A1-88-08) should be verified to ensure stable cold starts and reduced emissions. Cooling system integrity is critical due to transverse mounting and tight engine bay packaging in the Tipo platform.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SF/CC specification (Fiat SIB A1-88-08). Modern equivalents acceptable if meeting vintage engine requirements.
Emissions: Euro 1 compliance applies to all models (Italian Ministry of Transport #MIT/86/A1000). First EU-wide standard introduced in 1986.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output consistent across production run (Fiat Group PT-1986-A1).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A1.000-ME-001, A1.000-FUEL-02, SIB A1-88-08
Italian Ministry of Transport Type Approval Database (MIT/86/A1000)
European Commission: Directive 88/77/EEC (Euro 1)
UN ECE Regulation 85: Power Measurement Standards
The Fiat A1.000 was used across Fiat's 146 platform with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-single-choke carburettor in Tipo 1.2 and catalytic converter integration in post-1986 Tipo CL-and from 1988 the facelifted Tipo 1.2 SX series adopted revised idle calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side engine block near the starter motor (Fiat TIS A1.000-ME-001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for A1 series). Pre-1988 models have chrome valve covers; post-1988 units use black-painted covers. Critical differentiation from 1.4L FIRE engines: A1.000 uses a smaller bore (73.0 mm vs 76.0 mm) and dedicated 1.2L intake manifold. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belts for pre-1988 engines are not compatible with post-1988 revisions due to pulley diameter changes (Fiat SIB A1-88-08).
The A1.000's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure on neglected engines, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Fiat service records from 1992 indicated a significant share of pre-1988 units required belt replacement before 30,000 km due to cracking, while Italian MOT archives show valve train damage as a leading cause of engine seizure. Infrequent maintenance and use of non-spec oil increase wear, making adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1986-1991) and Italian Ministry of Transport failure statistics (1988-1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 146-A1-000.
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