The Fiat 170 D – Petrol is a 1,108 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1991 and 1998. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration and carburetted fuel delivery, designed for compact city vehicles. In standard tune, it produces 40 kW (54 PS) at 5,800 rpm and 86 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing adequate urban drivability with predictable throttle response and low running costs.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat Punto 176 and Fiat Cinquecento platforms, the 170 D was engineered for economical, everyday transportation with a focus on mechanical simplicity and ease of repair. 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 170-TS-038 (1993), is attributed to oil sludge formation in the tappet galleries under high-temperature operation. Later production revisions incorporated improved oil gallery machining and updated tappet materials to enhance durability.
Production years 1991–1991 meet Italian national emissions standards (Ministero delle Finanze, Direzione Generale delle Accise, Prot. 91/170). 1992–1998 models comply with Euro 1 standards in EU markets (EU Type Approval #E1*91/542*07).
The Fiat 170 D – Petrol is a 1,108 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine developed for compact passenger vehicles (1991–1998). It combines a SOHC valvetrain with carburetted fuel delivery 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 | 1,108 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95 min.) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 70.0 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 40 kW (54 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 86 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 30 TLA carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1991); Euro 1 (1992–1998) | |
| 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 | 95 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. 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 170-TS-038) 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. Carburettor icing in cold weather can be reduced by ensuring the hot-air intake system is fully functional.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SF/CC specification (Fiat Owner's Manual Rev.11). Mineral oil recommended for tappet and camshaft protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro Italian standards apply to 1991 models (Prot. 91/170). 1992–1998 models meet Directive 91/542/EEC (EU Type Approval #E1*91/542*07).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output may vary with ambient conditions and fuel octane rating (Fiat PT-1991).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 170-D-MECH-02, 170-D-FUEL-04, 170-D-TIME-06
Fiat ETK (Electronic Technical Catalogue): Document 170-D-ENG-01
Ministero delle Finanze, Direzione Generale delle Accise: Prot. 91/170
European Union Type Approval Database (E1*91/542*07)
UN ECE Regulation 85: Power Measurement Standards
The Fiat 170 D – Petrol was used across Fiat's Punto and Cinquecento platforms with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds in the Cinquecento and revised exhaust routing in the Punto—and from 1992 full Euro 1 compliance with updated ECU mapping. 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 170-D-ID-07). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates the engine type ('D' for 170 D series). All models use a Weber 30 TLA carburettor; post-1992 Euro 1 models feature a catalytic converter. Critical differentiation from 170 A series: The 170 D shares the same bore/stroke but uses a different cylinder head casting and intake manifold. Service parts require model-year verification—hydraulic tappets for pre-1993 engines are incompatible with post-revision units per Fiat TS 170-TS-038.
The 170 D – Petrol's primary reliability risk is premature hydraulic tappet wear, with higher incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Fiat service data from 1994 indicated a notable number of pre-1993 engines required tappet replacement before 80,000 km, while Italian MOT (bollo) records show elevated failure rates for valvetrain noise in high-mileage Punto 176 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 (1991-1998) and Italian MOT (bollo) failure statistics (1992-1999). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 170-D.
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