The Fiat 156 A2.100 – Petrol is a 1,581 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1987 and 1995. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration and carburetted or multipoint fuel injection, designed for mid-sized passenger vehicles. In standard tune, it produces 56 kW (76 PS) at 5,250 rpm and 121 Nm of torque at 2,750 rpm, providing balanced performance for family-oriented motoring with improved low-end pull over smaller units.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat Tipo 138 and Fiat Tempra 159 platforms, the 156 A2.100 was engineered for reliable, everyday transportation with a focus on mechanical durability and ease of servicing. Emissions compliance was achieved through a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor system on Euro 1–compliant models from 1992 onward, meeting Directive 91/542/EEC in EU markets.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the hydraulic tappets, particularly in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 156-TS-021 (1990), is attributed to sludge formation in the tappet galleries under high-temperature operation. Later production revisions incorporated revised oil gallery machining and updated tappet materials to improve longevity.
Production years 1987–1991 meet Italian national emissions standards (Ministero delle Finanze, Direzione Generale delle Accise, Prot. 87/156). 1992–1995 models comply with Euro 1 standards in EU markets (EU Type Approval #E1*91/542*02).
The Fiat 156 A2.100 – Petrol is a 1,581 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine developed for mid-sized passenger vehicles (1987–1995). It combines a SOHC valvetrain with carburetted or multipoint fuel injection to deliver smooth, usable torque and reliable performance. Designed to meet evolving emissions regulations, it balances mechanical robustness with moderate efficiency for everyday use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,581 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95 min.) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 86.6 mm | |
| Power output | 56 kW (76 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Torque | 121 Nm @ 2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 34 ADM carburettor or Magneti Marelli IAW 8AP multipoint injection (1992+) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1987–1991); Euro 1 (1992–1995, export models) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (change every 90,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for urban environments, though carburetted versions require seasonal jetting adjustments. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is essential for hydraulic tappet and camshaft lubrication; modern low-viscosity oils may accelerate wear. Engines from 1992 onward with fuel injection offer improved cold-start reliability and emissions compliance but require periodic injector cleaning. The toothed timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km or 5 years—failure to do so risks catastrophic engine damage. Tappet noise (Fiat TS 156-TS-021) is mitigated by using the revised components and adhering to 15,000 km oil change intervals. Catalytic converters on Euro 1 models mandate unleaded fuel and are sensitive to misfire-induced overheating.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SF/CC specification (Fiat Owner's Manual Rev.6). Mineral oil recommended for tappet and camshaft protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro Italian standards apply to 1987–1991 models (Prot. 87/156). 1992–1995 export models meet Directive 91/542/EEC (EU Type Approval #E1*91/542*02).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output may vary with ambient conditions and fuel octane rating (Fiat PT-1987).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 156-A2100-MECH-02, 156-A2100-FUEL-04, 156-A2100-TIME-06
Fiat ETK (Electronic Technical Catalogue): Document 156-A2100-ENG-01
Ministero delle Finanze, Direzione Generale delle Accise: Prot. 87/156
European Union Type Approval Database (E1*91/542*02)
UN ECE Regulation 85: Power Measurement Standards
The Fiat 156 A2.100 – Petrol was used across Fiat's Tipo and Tempra platforms with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—longer intake manifolds in the Tempra and revised exhaust routing in the Tipo—and from 1992 the introduction of fuel injection (Magneti Marelli IAW 8AP) on Euro 1–compliant models, creating interchange limits. 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 belt cover (Fiat TIS 156-A2100-ID-07). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates the engine type ('A' for 156 A series). Pre-1992 engines use a Weber 34 ADM carburettor; post-1992 Euro 1 models feature Magneti Marelli IAW 8AP fuel injection with a catalytic converter. Critical differentiation from 156 C series: The 156 A2.100 has a shorter stroke (86.6 mm vs 90.0 mm) and uses a different cylinder head casting. Service parts require model-year verification—hydraulic tappets for pre-1990 engines are incompatible with post-revision units per Fiat TS 156-TS-021.
The 156 A2.100 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is premature hydraulic tappet wear, with higher incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Fiat service data from 1991 indicated a notable number of pre-1990 engines required tappet replacement before 80,000 km, while Italian MOT (bollo) records show elevated failure rates for valvetrain noise in high-mileage Tipo 138 models. Extended service intervals and use of incorrect oil viscosity significantly increase risk of tappet collapse and valve float, making adherence to replacement intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1987-1995) and Italian MOT (bollo) failure statistics (1990-1998). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 156-A2-100.
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