The Fiat 149 A.000 is a 1,585 cc inline-four petrol engine produced between 1988 and 1995. It powered the mid-range Fiat Tempra (Type 159) hatchback, saloon, and estate variants, delivering 62 kW (84 PS) with 124 Nm of torque. Featuring a cast-iron block, SOHC valvetrain, and single-choke carburettor (Weber 32/34 DCF), it was engineered for economy and ease of maintenance in family-oriented applications.
Fitted to the Fiat Tempra 1.6 and 1.6S models, the A.000 was tuned for responsive urban driving and moderate highway cruising. Its design prioritized fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, making it suitable for European markets with high fuel prices. Emissions control was achieved via precision carburetion and early catalytic converter systems, allowing compliance with Euro 1 standards from 1988 onward.
One documented engineering update occurred in 1990, referenced in Fiat Service Information Bulletin A-90-11, involving revised valve stem seal design to reduce oil consumption in high-mileage engines. This update improved long-term durability and was retrofittable to earlier builds, reflecting Fiat's incremental development strategy during the early 1990s.
Production years 1988–1990 meet Euro 1 standards; 1991–1995 models comply with Euro 2 (Italian Ministry of Transport Type Approval #MIT/88/A000).
The Fiat A.000 is a 1,585 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact family sedans (1988–1995). 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 | 1,585 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 62 kW (84 PS) | |
| Torque | 124 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-choke carburettor (Weber 32/34 DCF) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (pre-1991), Euro 2 (1991–1995) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Single-row timing belt | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SF/CC | |
| Dry weight | 137 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 32/34 DCF carburettor needs periodic adjustment of idle mixture and choke operation. The 1990 valve stem seal update (Fiat SIB A-90-11) should be verified or installed to reduce oil consumption in older units. Cooling system integrity is critical due to transverse mounting and tight engine bay packaging in the Tempra platform.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SF/CC specification (Fiat SIB A-90-11). Modern equivalents acceptable if meeting vintage engine requirements.
Emissions: Euro 1 applies to 1988–1990 models; Euro 2 compliance from 1991 onward (Italian Ministry of Transport #MIT/88/A000). First EU-wide standards introduced in 1988 and 1991.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output consistent across production run (Fiat Group PT-1988-A).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A.000-ME-001, A.000-FUEL-02, SIB A-90-11
Italian Ministry of Transport Type Approval Database (MIT/88/A000)
European Commission: Directive 88/77/EEC (Euro 1), 94/12/EC (Euro 2)
UN ECE Regulation 85: Power Measurement Standards
The Fiat A.000 was used across Fiat's 149 platform with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-single-choke carburettor in Tempra 1.6 and catalytic converter integration in post-1988 Tempra SX-and from 1990 the facelifted Tempra 1.6 ELX series adopted revised valve stem seals, 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 A.000-ME-001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for A series). Pre-1990 models have chrome valve covers; post-1990 units use black-painted covers. Critical differentiation from 1.4L FIRE engines: A.000 uses a longer stroke (82.0 mm vs 76.5 mm) and dedicated 1.6L intake manifold. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belts for pre-1990 engines are not compatible with post-1990 revisions due to pulley diameter changes (Fiat SIB A-90-11).
The A.000's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure on neglected engines, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Fiat service records from 1995 indicated a significant share of pre-1990 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 (1988-1995) and Italian Ministry of Transport failure statistics (1990-1998). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 149-A-000.
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