The Fiat 160 A6.046 is a 1,586 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1989 and 1995. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration, and electronic fuel injection via a Magneti Marelli IAW 1AV system. In standard tune, it delivers 58 kW (79 PS), offering improved drivability and emissions control over earlier carburetted variants.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat Tempra 1.6 i.e. and Lancia Dedra 1.6 i.e., the 160 A6.046 was engineered for responsive performance and durability in mid-size sedans. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda feedback, enabling Euro 1 standards. The engine was designed for transverse front-wheel-drive installation across Fiat’s Type 159 platform.
One documented service concern involves early failure of the hydraulic tappets, particularly in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Fiat Service Information Bulletin 89-077, can lead to persistent valve train noise and reduced performance if undetected. From 1992, Fiat introduced a revised tappet design with enhanced oil retention to improve long-term reliability.
Production years 1989–1991 meet Euro 0 standards; 1992–1995 models comply with Euro 1 (EU Directive 91/441/EEC). Vehicle-specific compliance confirmed via EU type approval records.
The Fiat 160 A6.046 – Petrol is a 1,586 cc inline-four SOHC engine developed for mid-size sedans (1989–1995). It replaces carburetion with Magneti Marelli electronic fuel injection to improve emissions and throttle response. Designed for the Tempra platform, it meets early Euro emissions standards while maintaining serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,586 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 79.0 mm | |
| Power output | 58 kW (79 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 123 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Magneti Marelli IAW 1AV electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (1989–1991); Euro 1 (1992–1995) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (SOHC) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SG/CC | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The naturally aspirated design with EFI provides smooth throttle response and reliable cold starts, but requires periodic lambda sensor inspection to maintain emissions compliance. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting API SG/CC is essential for valvetrain protection, particularly given the engine's sensitivity to oil degradation. Oil changes should occur every 10,000 km to maintain lubrication integrity. The Magneti Marelli IAW 1AV system requires periodic injector cleaning and air filter replacement to prevent drivability issues. Units produced before mid-1992 should have the hydraulic tappets inspected per Fiat SIB 89-077; the revised oil-retaining tappets are available as an OEM upgrade to prevent ticking noise and wear.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, API SG/CC specification (Fiat SIB 89-077). Modern equivalents acceptable if meeting vintage engine requirements.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1992–1995 models only (EU Directive 91/441/EEC). Pre-1992 units meet Euro 0 and lack catalytic converters in some export markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output unchanged across production run; no performance variants documented.
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 160A6046-ARCH-03, 160A6046-MECH-05, SIB 89-077
European Commission: Directive 91/441/EEC - Emissions Standards for Passenger Cars
Fiat Parts Catalogue (ETK): Engine Family 160 Series
ISO 1585:1982 - Road Vehicles — Test Method for Fuel Consumption
The Fiat 160 A6.046 – Petrol was used across Fiat's Type 159 platform with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—lambda sensor calibration differences for Lancia Dedra—and from 1992, the facelifted Fiat Tempra models adopted the revised hydraulic tappets, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Fiat TIS 160A6046-ID-12). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for 1.6L 79 PS). Pre-1992 models use a chrome valve cover; post-1992 units have a black painted cover. Critical differentiation from 156 A3.000: 160 A6.046 uses electronic fuel injection (IAW 1AV), while 156 A3.000 is carburetted. Service parts require model year verification—hydraulic tappets before 07/1992 are non-interchangeable with later revised units per Fiat SIB 89-077.
The 160 A6.046 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is hydraulic tappet wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Fiat service reports from 1991 indicated a significant portion of pre-1992 engines required tappet replacement before 90,000 km, while historical EU field data shows lambda sensor-related emissions failures were common in high-mileage units. Extended service intervals and poor-quality fuel amplify wear, making adherence to maintenance schedules and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1989-1995) and European Commission field reliability reports (1990-1996). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 160-A6-046.
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