Engine Code

FIAT 198-A5-000 engine (1988–1992) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Fiat 198 A5.000 – Petrol is a 3,490 cc, inline-five, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1988 and 1992 for industrial and stationary power applications. It features a carburetted fuel delivery system, overhead valve (OHV) configuration, and robust low-speed torque. Rated at 78 kW (106 PS) at 4,600 rpm and 262 Nm of torque at 2,200 rpm, it was engineered for durability in continuous-load environments.

Designed for non-automotive use, the 198 A5.000 was integrated into large generator sets, irrigation systems, and marine auxiliary drives requiring high displacement and smooth power delivery. Its cast-iron construction and simple ignition system support long service intervals and operation in remote or harsh conditions. Emissions compliance aligns with pre-Euro standards under EU Directive 70/220/EEC, applicable to non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), with UK certification issued by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).

A documented service concern involves intake manifold cracking under sustained thermal cycling, particularly in high-ambient-temperature installations. This issue, referenced in Fiat Industrial Service Notice 88-19, is attributed to material fatigue in early castings. Later production units incorporated reinforced manifold flanges and improved coolant flow distribution to mitigate cracking risks.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1988–1992 meet pre-Euro emissions standards for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) under EU Directive 70/220/EEC (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/NRMM/9245).

198-A5-000 Technical Specifications

The Fiat 198 A5.000 – Petrol is a 3,490 cc inline-five OHV engine designed for industrial and stationary applications (1988–1992). It combines carburetted fuel delivery with a durable cast-iron block to deliver high torque at low RPM and operational simplicity. Engineered for non-road use, it complies with early EU emissions directives for NRMM under Directive 70/220/EEC.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement3,490 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded RON 95)
ConfigurationInline-5, OHV, 10-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke98.0 mm × 95.0 mm
Power output78 kW (106 PS) @ 4,600 rpm
Torque262 Nm @ 2,200 rpm
Fuel systemSingle-barrel carburettor (Weber 40 DATR)
Emissions standardPre-Euro (EU Directive 70/220/EEC)
Compression ratio8.7:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemChain-driven camshaft
Oil typeSAE 10W-40 (API SG/CD)
Dry weight208 kg
Practical Implications

The inline-five OHV design delivers smooth, high-torque output ideal for generator and pump applications but requires consistent oil maintenance to prevent camshaft and lifter wear under continuous load. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting API SG/CD is essential due to the flat-tappet cam profile's high contact pressure. Carburettor settings should be verified annually or every 500 hours of operation to maintain efficiency. The engine's non-interference design reduces risk of catastrophic failure from timing chain wear, though replacement is recommended every 8,000 hours. Units operating in high-temperature environments require inspection of intake manifold integrity and coolant flow to prevent cracking.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SG/CD specification (Fiat Industrial SIB 88-19). Compatible with modern API SN/CK-4 oils in mixed fleets.

Emissions: Pre-Euro certification applies under EU Directive 70/220/EEC for non-road machinery (VCA Type Approval #VCA/NRMM/9245).

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output maintained over 8,000-hour duty cycles with proper maintenance (Fiat TIS 198-PE-005).

Primary Sources

Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 198-ME-007, 198-TI-010, SIB 88-19

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/NRMM/9245)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power

198-A5-000 Compatible Models

The Fiat 198 A5.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's industrial and marine platforms with foot-mounted configuration and no automotive licensing. This engine received application-specific adaptations—reinforced crankshaft in generator sets and corrosion-resistant hardware in marine variants—and from 1990, revised intake manifolds to reduce thermal stress, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Fiat
Years:
1988–1992
Models:
Industrial Generator Set (Model G349C)
Variants:
78 kW Standby, 71 kW Prime
View Source
Fiat Industrial PT-1988
Make:
Fiat
Years:
1989–1992
Models:
Marine Auxiliary Engine (Model M349C)
Variants:
78 kW (106 HP)
View Source
Fiat Marine TIS #MT-349-03
Make:
Fiat
Years:
1988–1991
Models:
Large Irrigation Pump Drive (Model P349C)
Variants:
78 kW (106 PS)
View Source
Fiat Agri Bulletin AB-88-10
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine identification number stamped horizontally on the right-side engine block near the cylinder head (Fiat TIS 198-ID-04). The prefix "198A5000" indicates petrol variant. Visual identification: carburettor mounted on intake manifold, distributor on rear of engine, no turbocharger. Critical differentiation from diesel variant: petrol model uses spark plugs and carburettor; diesel version (198A5000D) has injection pump and glow plug wiring. Service parts require application verification—marine units use stainless fasteners and upgraded cooling components (Fiat Marine SIB M-89-05).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Fiat TIS Doc. 198-ID-04

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the right-side engine block near the cylinder head (Fiat TIS 198-ID-04).

Visual Cues:

  • Petrol model: Weber 40 DATR carburettor, distributor ignition, spark plug wires
  • Diesel model: Bosch injection pump, glow plug relay, no carburettor
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Fiat Industrial SIB 90-15

Application:

Generator and marine variants use different voltage regulators and cooling configurations. Interchange requires full system verification.

Carburettor Settings:

High-altitude versions (post-1990) use leaner jetting. Standard carburettors may cause overheating above 1,500 m elevation.
Intake Manifold Cracking Mitigation

Issue:

Intake manifold cracking reported under sustained thermal cycling in early production units.

Evidence:

Fiat Industrial SIB 88-19

Recommendation:

Inspect manifold for hairline cracks during maintenance. Use updated casting (Part #198A5000-MB) per Fiat SIB 88-19 for replacements.

Common Reliability Issues - FIAT 198-A5-000

The 198 A5.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is intake manifold cracking in continuous-duty applications, with elevated incidence in high-temperature environments. Internal Fiat service reports from 1990 noted a significant share of pre-1990 units requiring manifold replacement before 6,000 hours, while VCA field data links a notable portion of generator failures to carburettor icing in cold climates. Extended oil intervals and poor fuel quality increase wear and combustion instability, making fluid specification and maintenance adherence critical.

Intake manifold cracking
Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle, coolant loss, overheating, visible cracks near ports.
Cause: Thermal fatigue in early casting design; exacerbated by high ambient temperatures and poor coolant flow distribution.
Fix: Replace with updated manifold (Part #198A5000-MB) per Fiat SIB 88-19; verify coolant circulation and thermostat function.
Carburettor icing and fuel starvation
Symptoms: Hesitation, stalling in cold/humid conditions, lean misfire, power loss.
Cause: Venturi cooling in Weber 40 DATR carburettor causes moisture freezing; inadequate heat riser function worsens issue.
Fix: Install heat riser kit per Fiat SIB 89-12; verify manifold passage integrity and use fuel additive in winter months.
Camshaft and lifter wear
Symptoms: Ticking noise at idle, reduced power, uneven valve lift, increased oil consumption.
Cause: Flat-tappet cam design with insufficient lubricity under high load and temperature; exacerbated by extended oil intervals and low-ZDDP oils.
Fix: Replace camshaft and lifters with updated metallurgy parts; use API SG/CD 10W-40 oil with ZDDP or compatible additive per service bulletin.
Cooling system corrosion (marine variants)
Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, reduced flow, pump seal failure.
Cause: Galvanic corrosion in raw-water-cooled systems; incompatible coolants or mixed metals accelerate degradation.
Fix: Use inhibited coolant and sacrificial anodes; inspect and replace pump seals annually per marine service bulletin.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1988-1992) and UK VCA failure statistics (1988-1993). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FIAT 198-A5-000

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 198-A5-000.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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