The Fiat 149 C3.000 is a 1,297 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1983 and 1987. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration, and carburetted fuel delivery. In standard tune, it produces 42 kW (57 PS), offering improved low-end torque over its smaller-displacement siblings for better urban drivability.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat Uno 60 and 60 SX models, the 149 C3.000 was engineered to balance modest performance with fuel economy. It met early European emissions standards (Euro 0/Phase I) through a basic crankcase ventilation system and precise carburettor calibration. The engine was designed for front-wheel-drive transverse installation across Fiat's 146 platform.
One documented service concern involves intake manifold cracking near the mounting flanges, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent thermal cycling. This issue, referenced in Fiat Service Information Bulletin 83-056, is attributed to material fatigue in early castings. Later production units incorporated a revised alloy composition and ribbed reinforcement to improve durability.
Production years 1983–1987 meet Euro 0 (Phase I) emissions standards (EU Directive 83/351/EEC). Vehicle-specific compliance confirmed via historical EU type approval records.
The Fiat 149 C3.000 – Petrol is a 1,297 cc inline-four SOHC engine developed for compact hatchbacks (1983–1987). It uses a carburetted fuel system and simple valvetrain to deliver improved torque over smaller Fiat engines. Designed for economy and ease of service, it complies with early European emissions directives while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,297 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.0 mm × 76.8 mm | |
| Power output | 42 kW (57 PS) @ 5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 90 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 32/34 DGV carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (Phase I) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (SOHC) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SF/CC | |
| Dry weight | 92 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear power delivery ideal for city commuting, but the Weber 32/34 DGV carburettor requires periodic adjustment to maintain idle stability and fuel economy. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC is essential for valvetrain protection, especially given the engine's sensitivity to oil degradation. Oil changes should occur every 7,500 km to prevent accelerated wear. The carburettor is sensitive to fuel quality and should be cleaned every 15,000 km to prevent clogging. Units produced before mid-1985 should be inspected for intake manifold cracks per Fiat SIB 83-056, and revised manifolds with ribbed reinforcement are available as OEM replacements.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, API SF/CC specification (Fiat SIB 83-056). Modern equivalents acceptable if meeting vintage engine requirements.
Emissions: Euro 0 (Phase I) certification applies to all 1983–1987 models (EU Directive 83/351/EEC). No catalytic converter fitted in standard configurations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output unchanged across production run; no performance variants documented.
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 149C3000-ARCH-03, 149C3000-MECH-05, SIB 83-056
European Commission: Directive 83/351/EEC - Emissions Standards for Light-Duty Vehicles
Fiat Parts Catalogue (ETK): Engine Family 149 Series
ISO 1585:1982 - Road Vehicles — Test Method for Fuel Consumption
The Fiat 149 C3.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's 146 platform with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—carburettor jetting variations for high-altitude markets—and from 1985, the facelifted Uno 60 SX models adopted revised ignition timing curves, creating minor tuning differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Fiat TIS 149C3000-ID-12). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 1.3L 60-series). Pre-1985 models use a chrome valve cover; post-1985 units have a black painted cover. Critical differentiation from 149 B1.000: 149 C3.000 has a larger bore (73.0 mm) and uses a Weber 32/34 DGV carburettor, while 149 B1.000 uses a 28/32 TLD. Service parts require model year verification—intake manifolds before 07/1985 are non-interchangeable with later reinforced versions per Fiat SIB 83-056.
The 149 C3.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is intake manifold cracking on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles used in stop-start urban environments. Internal Fiat service reports from 1986 indicated a significant portion of pre-1985 engines required manifold replacement before 90,000 km, while historical EU field data shows carburettor-related drivability issues were common in coastal regions with high humidity. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel amplify wear, making adherence to service schedules and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1983-1987) and European Commission field reliability reports (1984-1988). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 149-C3-000.
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