1958 FIAT 500 Oil

sections of the air conveyor securing with seven
screws, seven toothed washers and five nuts.
22 Slide the fuel pump control rod into its seating,
assemble the insulator between oil wetted graphite
gaskets and fit the pump to the crankcase using nuts
and toothed washers.
23 Fit the air conveyor cover complete with the accelera-
tor control relay lever and rod. Secure using eight
mounting screws, eight toothed washers, eight plain
washers and eight nuts. Fit the fuel line retaining clip
which is secured by one of the air conveyor upper
screws. Install the generator and fan drive pulley
having first placed four adjusting rings between the
pulley halves and the thrust ring on the outside.
Secure the pulley to generator shaft using three
screws and three toothed washers. Fit the generator
fan drive belt.
24 Refit the carburetter having first positioned the
bakelite heat shield between the t w o oil moistened
graphite gaskets. Secure the carburetter using t w o
copper washers and t w o self-locking nuts. Fit the
exhaust silencer and secure to the exhaust manifolds
with nuts and spring washers. Place the t w o graphite
gaskets between the manifold joints. Fit both exhaust
silencer upper mounting brackets and secure them
on the top side to the brackets already in place w i t h
nuts and toothed washers on the bottom side w i t h
screws and toothed washers.
25 Carefully position the distributor at a 10 deg advance
setting and secure w i t h a
nut, plain washer and
spring washer. Fit the fuel pump to carburetter line
complete w i t h mounting bracket rubber lining and
secure the line with two clamps. If difficulty is
experienced in positioning the fuel line into the pump
or carburetter funnels it is suggested that the line
ends should be heated in hot water and thoroughly
dried before installing.
26 Install the air cleaner elbow and rubber hose assembly
on the top of the carburetter using a graphite gasket
in between and secure w i t h nuts, plain washers and
spring washers. Carefully position the air cleaner, line
and hose assembly and connect it to the elbow.
Secure the cleaner to air conveyor cover using screws
and toothed washers.
27 Fit the spark plug cables complete with the rubber
grommet for cable mounting bracket on engine
cowling and connect the cables to the distributor
and spark plugs. Fit the oil pressure gauge sender
unit together w i t h its sealing washer.
28 Install the cylinder head cover and oil breather pipe
assembly w i t h a cork gasket inserted between.
Secure w i t h self-locking nuts and fibre washers.
Connect the accelerator control relay lever rod to the
carburetter and secure with the clip.
29 Fill the oil pan with the correct grade and quantity of
oil, insert the dipstick and the engine is ready for
refitting.
1:18 Engine assembly (station wagon)
Reassembly of this engine is straightforward as it is
the reverse procedure to dismantling. It is recommended
that Sections 1 :5 and 1 :17 are studied as the assembly
technique is similar for both the horizontal and vertical
F50031 cylinder engines. The following points should however
be noted:
1 Refer to FIG 1 :45 for the correct positioning of the
connecting rod-piston assembly on the 120.000
engine.
2 The sequence of tightening the cylinder head nuts is
different, the new order being given in FIG 1 :46.
Key to Fig 1 :47 1 Suspension arm 2 Screw,
rubber pad to bracket 3 Bracket-to-engine nut
4 Nut, arm to bracket 5 Arm bracket 6 Spring
7 Arm pin-to-support nut 8 Screws, pin to support
9 Pin arm to supportFIG 1 :47 Power plant rear suspension FIG 1:46 Cylinder head stud nut tightening sequence.
500 D. F and L Sedan and Station Wagon

FIG 1 :48 Power plant front support cross-section
FIG 1 :49 Checking the generator and blower drive
belt tension
1 :19 Power plant mountings
The combined power and transmission unit is elastic-
ally mounted on two supports.
The front of the unit rests on a crossmember which is
secured under the car floor through two rubber block
mountings that are bolted to the gearbox casing as
shown in FIG 1 :48. The position of the rubber blocks
on the crossmember is adjustable so that the assembly
can be correctly aligned.
W i t h t h e rear of the unit the engine crankcase is sprung
to the b o d y rear crossmember through an articulated
swinging arm that compresses a coil spring as shown in
FIGS 1 :47 and 1 :49. A rubber bump pad is mounted
inside the spring to give a progressive action.
Whenever the power and transmission unit is being
serviced the condition of the mountings should be
checked and any worn or damaged parts renewed.
1 :20 Adjustment of generator and fan drive belt
The centrifugal oil filter cover/pulley on the crankshaft
transmits the drive through a V-belt to the generator and
centrifugal fan pulley.
32
(b) Engine stalls
1 Check 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14 and 15 in (a)
2 Sparking plugs defective or gaps incorrect
3 Retarded ignition 1 Defective coil
2 Faulty distributor capacitor (condenser)
3 Dirty, pitted or incorrectly set contact breaker points
4 Ignition wires loose or insulation faulty
5 Water on sparking plug leads
6 Corrosion of battery terminals or battery discharged
7 Faulty or jammed starter
8 Sparking plug leads wrongly connected
9 Vapour lock in fuel pipes
10 Defective fuel pump
11 Overchoking
12 Underchoking
13 Blocked petrol filter or carburetter jets
14 Leaking valves
15 Sticking valves
16 Valve timing incorrect
17 Ignition timing incorrect
(a) Engine will not start 1 :22 Fault diagnosis
Since its introduction the Fiat new 5 0 0 model has
been continually developed. The main modifications that
have been made are as follows:
1 Heating system safety device
2 Recirculation device for the blow-by gases
3 Cylinder head modified to incorporate item 1
4 Double valve springs fitted
5 Cylinder barrels modified to incorporate item 1
6 Flywheel modified to incorporate new type diaphragm
spring clutch mounting
7 Larger air cleaner container.
Details of these modifications are to be found in the
relevant sections if they necessitate a change in service
overhaul procedure. Other information is to be found in
Technical Data.
1 :21 Modifications
When the V-belt has been correctly adjusted the belt
should sag 13/32 inch under a hand pressure of about 22 lb
as shown in FIG 1 : 4 9.
Should the belt be too slack the generator and
centrifugal fan will not operate at the correct speed
causing overheating and a discharged battery. Also the
belt will slip causing rapid wear of the belt. Conversely
if the belt is too tight excessive loading will be placed
on the generator bearings causing excessive bearing
wear and noisy operation.
To adjust the belt tension proceed as follows:
1 Remove the three nuts ' B ' (see FIG 1 :49) on the
generator pulley and this will split the pulley into two
parts between which are spacer rings.
2 The tension of the belt is increased or decreased by
either reducing or increasing the number of spacers.
3 Place the spacer rings removed from between the
pulley halves on the pulley outer face so that the rings
may be re-inserted when fitting a new belt.
4 Tighten the three nuts to a torque wrench setting of
14.5
lb ft.
Key to Fig 1 :49 A Normal give-in: about 13/32 inch under
a 22 Ib pressure B Nuts securing the pulley halves with
spacer rings

4 Mixture too weak
5 Water in fuel system
6 Petrol tank vent blocked
7 Incorrect valve clearance
(c) Engine idles badly
1 Check 1 and 6 in (b)
2 Air leak at manifold joints
3 Slow-running jet blocked or out of adjustment
4 Air leak in carburetter
5 Over-rich mixture
6 Worn piston rings
7 Worn valve stems or guides
8 Weak exhaust valve springs
(d) Engine misfires
1 Check 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, 14, 1 5, 16, 17 in (a);
2, 3, 4 and 7 in (b)
2 Weak or broken valve springs
(e) Engine overheats
1 Generator and fan drive belt too loose
2 Shutter or thermostat seized in closed position
(f) Compression low
1 Check 14 and 15 in (a), 6 and 7 in (c) and 2 in (d)
2 Worn piston ring grooves
3 Scored or worn cylinder bores
(g) Engine lacks power
1 Check 3, 10, 1 1 , 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 in (a), 2, 3, 4
and 7 in (b) 6 and 7 in (c) and 2 in (d). Also check (e)
and (f)
2 Leaking joint washers
3 Fouled sparking plugs
4 Automatic centrifugal advance not operating
(h) Burnt valves or seats
1 Check 14 and 15 in (a), 7 in (b) and 2 in (d). Alsocheck (e)
2 Excessive carbon around valve seat and head
(j) Sticking valves
1 Check 2 in (d)
2 Bent valve stem
3 Scored valve stem or guide
4 Incorrect valve clearance
(k) Excessive cylinder wear
1 Check 11 in (a) and see Chapter 4
2 Lack of oil
3 Dirty oil
4 Piston rings gummed up or broken
5 Badly fitting piston rings
6 Connecting rods bent
(l) Excessive oil consumption
1 Check 6 and 7 in (c) and check (k)
2 Ring gaps too wide
3 Oil return holes in piston choked with carbon
4 Scored cylinders
5 Oil level too high
6 External oil leaks
7 Ineffective valve stem oil seals
(m) Crankshaft and connecting rod bearing failure
1 Check 2 in (k)
2 Restricted oilways
3 Worn journals or crank pins
4 Loose bearing caps
5 Extremely low oil pressure
6 Bent connecting rod
(n) High fuel consumption (see Chapter 2)
(o) Engine vibration
1 Loose generator bolts
2 Blower blade assembly out-of-balance
3 Incorrect clearance for rear engine mounting rubber
F50033

1
14,5
7,52 9 48 35
76
FIG 2:15 Float level setting diagram Weber car-
buretter type 26.OC
7.5 = .29 inch 14.5 = .57 inch
Key to Fig 2:15 1 Carburetter cover 2 Cover gasket
3 Needle valve 4 Valve needle 5 Lug 6, 7 Arms
8 Needle ball 9 Float
Idle speed adjustment:
The idling speed is adjusted by movement of the throttle
setscrew and the mixture setscrew. The throttle screw
allows for the adjustment of the throttle opening whereas
the conical mixture setscrew has the purpose of metering
the amount of charge issuing from the idling speed pas-
sage, which will then mix with the air flowing past the
throttle which when correctly set for normal idling speed
should leave a gap between its edges and the throat walls.
This ensures a correct petrol/air ratio best suited to the
engine requirements and smooth operation.
The idling speed should always be adjusted with the
engine running and at its normal operating temperature
by first setting the throttle to its minimum opening by
turning the throttle setscrew so enabling an accurate
adjustment to be made. Then slowly turn the mixture set-
screw either in or out so as to adjust the mixture petrol/air
ratio to the most suitable for the throttle opening, this will
accomplish a fast and steady idling speed which should be
then reduced by closing the throttle opening slightly by
easing back the throttle setscrew. This adjustment should
continue until the best idling speed is obtained.
Adjustment of fuel level in float chamber:
To check and adjust the level of fuel in the carburetter
float chamber proceed as follows:
1 Check that the needle valve 3 (see FIG 2:15) is
screwed tight on its seat.
2 Keep the carburetter cover 1 upright or else the weight
of the float 9 will lower the ball 8 fitted on the needle 4.
F50043
Key to Fig 2:17 1 Filter housing 2 Spring hooks
3 Filter element 4 Cover 5 Air suction pipe, hoses
and clamps 6 Re-circulation pipe for blow-by gases and
oil vapoursFIG 2:17 Removing the air cleaner, 500F, L
2
1 3
4.
6
5
FIG 2:16 Taking out the filter element, 500, 500D AIR CLEANER ELBOW
HOSE
AIR CLEANER BODY
FILTER ELEMENT Check that with the cover held in the vertical position
and the float arm 6 in slight contact with the ball 8 of the
needle 4, the float is .2953 inch away from the cover
w i t h its gasket 2 fitted flat against the cover face.
3 Check that the float level is .5709 inch from the cover
face and if necessary bend the lug 5 to give the required
setting.
4 If the float 9 is not correctly positioned bend the float
arm 7 until the correct adjustment is obtained. Ensure
that the arm 6 is perpendicular to the needle axis and
does not show any rough spots or indentations which
might impair free movement of the needle. Check that
the float 9 moves about its pivot pin.
Every time a new float or needle valve is fitted the above
detailed adjustment operations must be completed to
ensure correct fuel levels.

FIG 2:18Diagram of blow-by gases re-circulation device
Key to Fig 2:181 Head cover 2 Blow-by gases and oil vapours breather valve 3 Oil filler cap4 Strainer
9 Air suction pipe, air cleaner to carburetter 8 Flame trap
13 Exhaust duct 12 Crankcase 7 Carburetter 6 Air cleaner
11 Filter gauze
10 Movable partition 5 PipeEngine 110 F. 000 Engine 120.000
designed to dampen the air intake noise and the carburet-
ter venturi hiss and is so located in the blower conveyor
system so that only clean dry air is drawn into the induc-
tion system.
To ensure complete protection of the engine it is
recommended that the air filter element be replaced every
6000 miles or even earlier if the vehicle is operating in
dusty conditions.
It should be noted that an oversize air cleaner may be
obtained if the vehicle is to be operated in very dusty areas.
Air cleaner—engine 110 F.000:
To remove the air cleaner element, disengage both the
spring hooks 2 as shown in FIG 2:17 and lift away the
cover 4 by turning it inwards together with the hose 5. 2 : 9 Air cleaner (sedan)
The pleated paper air cleaner element is contained in a
casing housed in a recess of one of the silencing chambers
provided in the blower conveyor as shown in FIG 2:16.
The air cleaner is connected to the carburetter by means of
a specially shaped hose. The silencing chamber is
44For full instruction refer to Section 2 :6. Carburetter cleaning:See Section 2 :6 for full check details. Throttle valve components:
Engine 110 F. 000

Air cleaner—station wagon:
A pleated paper air cleaner element is housed in a
special air intake chamber connected to the front of the
engine air cooling cowling (see FIG 4 : 2) . This chamber
will be seen located towards the rear of t h e power unit
compartment. Remove the retaining wing nut, lift off the
lid and the element can be withdrawn by lifting upwards.
2:10 Blow-by-gases recirculation device
Engine 110 F.000
All the oil vapours and blow-by-gases that are formed
in the engine crankcase are drawn to the cylinder head
cover recess 1 (see FIG 2:18). From here they travel into
the pipe 5 via a breather valve 2 which is firmly attached to
the oil filler cap 3 and the strainer 4 located in the filler
neck. The oil vapours and gases are then d r a w n back into
the duct 9 from the pipe 5 which connects the air cleaner
6 to the carburetter 7. This ensures a complete closed cir-
cuit circulation.
Engine 120.000:
From engine No. 288156 the oil vapours and blow-by-
gases instead of being exhausted to the atmosphere are
conveyed to the air cleaner and from here they are drawn
back into the combustion chambers. To ensure that an
excessive of oil vapour does not pass along the piping
with the blow-by-gases a diaphragm is fitted in the duct
in front of the breather valve 2 (see FIG 2 :18), the dia-
phragm comprising a filter gauze 11 and moveable parti-
tion 10.
It should be noted that the oil vapour strainer 4 (see
FIG 2:18) and the flame trap 8 can easily be removed
from their seating for cleaning or renewal.
2 : 1 1 Fuel tank
The fuel tank is located in the front compartment as
shown in FIG 2:19, it comprises a filler union fitted with a
cap, a fuel reserve supply indicator sender unit and a con-
nection incorporating a filter for the main fuel supply pipes.
To remove the tank proceed as follows:
1 Remove the contents of the front compartment includ-
ing the spare wheel and tool bag.
2 Disconnect the main fuel line at the sender unit and also
disconnect the cable to the fuel reserve supply indicator.
3 Remove the four screws together w i t h the clips that fix
the tank to the body and carefully lift away the fuel tank.
4 Carefully drain the contents of the tank into a clean dry
container of a suitable capacity.
Fuel tank—sedan (110 F.) and station wagon (120):
The fuel tank is arranged in the front compartment as
shown in FIG 2 :20. To remove the fuel tank proceed as
follows:
1 Remove both screws which secure the front ends of the
clamping bands to the dash panel. The screws are
shown by arrows in FIG 2 :20.
Petrol tank cleaning:
The tank must be thoroughly checked for leaks espe-
cially at the joint seams. Should a leak be found it is
F50045
advisable for a garage to attend to this as it is very dange-
rous to apply heat to a petrol tank without first taking strict
precautions and a garage will be in a better position to do
this. To clean the tank interior, remove the drain plug and
spray in a jet of air or petrol so that all sediment and dirt
deposits can be loosened. Then vigorously shake the tank.
Flush the tank w i t h petrol and blow the tank dry. Repeat
this procedure until the tank is clean. Refit the drain plug.
Whilst the petrol tank is away from the car it is advisable
to disconnect the fuel feed pipes at the pump and the
carburetter and ensure that these are clear by using an air
jet to one end of the pipe.
Key t o Fig 2 :20
Note Arrows point to fuel tank clamping band screws vent valve
indicator tank unit1 Fuel tank2 Filler cap with
3 Fuel suction pipe and reserve supply
4 Tank clamping bands
FIG 2:20 Location of the fuel tank in front compart-
ment, 500F, L FIG 2:19 Fuel tank in front compartment. The fuel
reserve supply indicator (red light) glows when fuel
amount in tank is less than .8 to 1.1 Imp galls, or 5 litre FUEL TANK
FUEL LINE TO PUMP
FUEL GAUGE CABLE

3:1
3:2
3:3
3:4
3:5Description
Operation
Routine maintenance
Ignition faults
Removing and dismantling distributor (sedan
and sports)
CHAPTER 3
THE IGNITION SYSTEM
3:6
3:7
3:8
3:9
3:10
Removing and dismantling
(station wagon)
Timing the ignition
Sparking plugs
The distributor drive spindle
Fault diagnosisdistributor
3 :1 Description
The ignition system fitted to all the models covered by
this manual consists of an ignition coil, ignition distributor
fitted with contact breaker points, a centrifugal automatic
advance system, condenser, low- and high-tension
wiring, spark plugs and a power supply provided by a
generator and battery. The wiring diagram is shown in
FIG 3 : 1
1 The low-tension circuit which is sometimes called the
primary circuit includes the power supply, contact
breaker points, condenser and ignition coil primary
winding.
2 The high-tension circuit which is sometimes called the
secondary circuit includes the ignition coil secondary
winding, distributor rotor, distributor cap with terminals
and the central brush, high-tension cables and the spark
plugs.
3 : 2 Operation
The contact breaker unit in the distributor interrupts
the primary circuit by the points opening. The sudden stop
in the flow of current in the primary winding, does not cause
arcing at the contact breaker points because it discharges
into the condenser connected in parallel w i t h the contact
F50047
breaker points. With the sudden collapse of the primary
circuit, the intensity of the magnetic field drops causing
an induced high-tension current in the ignition coil
secondary winding. The high EMF is distributed to the
sparking plugs by the ignition distributor rotor.
The automatic advance mechanism comprises a plate
carrying t w o weights which are symmetrically pivoted on
the plate at one end. Also attached to the weights at
opposite ends to the pivots is the cam carrier shaft with
special tension return springs. Under the action of centri-
fugal force as the rotational speed increases, the weights
move outwards causing the cam carrier shaft to move
angularly compared to the distributor drive shaft thus
causing advancement of the ignition timing.
The contact breaker assembly comprises the cam on the
drive shaft and t w o contact points, one of which is
stationary while the other is under the influence of the
cam, the action of which is transmitted by a rubbing block.
The cam has t w o lobes to control the opening and closing
of contact points. The stationary contact point is mounted
on an adjustable support to enable the contact breaker
point gap to be adjusted.
The HT current reaches the distributor cap central
terminal, from the ignition coil and is distributed to each
of the spark plugs at the correct time by the rotor arm.

FIG 3 : 1 Ignition system wiring diagram
BATTERY
SWITCHBREAKER COIL
SPARK PLUG
CONDENSER
FIG 3 : 2 Ignition distributor in place on engine with
cap lifted offCURRENT CONTACT
TO SPARK PLUG
BREAKER A R M
STATIONARY
CONTACT
CARRIER
ADJUSTING
SCREW
CONTACT POINTS HIGH TENSION)
CARBON CONTACT
3 : 3 Routine maintenance
Refer to FIG 3: 2 and remove the distributor cap and lift
off the rotor arm. Lubricate the cam spindle felt pad using
Fiat VS oil. There is provision for the oil to make its way
downwards. Squirt a few drops of oil into the distributor
shaft lubrication fitting, the location being shown in FIG
3:3 Smear a little grease on the cam and a small drop of
oil to the contact breaker point pivot.
Adjusting the contact breaker points:
Refer to FIG 3 : 2 and slacken the stationary contact
carrier adjusting screw. Slowly rotate the engine until one
one of the t w o cams has opened the points to the fullest
48
extent so that the gap is measured at the position of the
maximum opening. Reset the gap to a correct clearance of
.0185 to .0209 inch and tighten the contact carrier screw.
Cleaning the contact points:
If the contact points are dirty or pitted they must be
cleaned by polishing them with a fine carborundum stone
taking very great care to ensure that the contact faces are
flat and square. Afterwards wipe away all dust with a cloth
moistened in petrol. The contacts may be removed from
the distributor body to assist refacing and cleaning refer-
ring to Section 3:5. If the moving contact is removed
from its pivot, check that its operation is not sluggish. If it is
tight, polish the pivot pin with a strip of fine emery cloth,
clean off all dust and apply a tiny spot of oil to the top of
the pivot pin. If a spring testing gauge is available the
contact breaker spring should have a tension of 16.8± 1.8
oz. measured at the points.
3 :4 Ignition faults
If the engine runs unevenly set it to idle at a fast speed.
Taking care not to touch any metal part of the sparking
plug leads, pull up the insulator sleeve and short each
plug in turn, using a screwdriver with an insulated handle.
Connect the screwdriver blade between the plug top and
the cylinder head. Shorting a plug which is firing properly
will make the engine uneven running more pronounced.
Shorting a plug in a cylinder which is not firing will make
no difference.
Having located the
faulty cylinder, stop the engine and
remove the plug lead. Start the engine and hold the lead
carefully to avoid shocks so that the metal end is about
3/16 inch away from the cylinder head. A strong regular
spark shows that the fault might be with the sparking plug.
Remove and clean it according to the instructions in
Section 3 :8. Alternatively substitute it with a new plug.
If the spark is weak and irregular, check that the lead is
not perished or cracked. If it appears to be defective,
renew it and try another test. If there is no improvement,
remove the distributor cap and wipe the inside clean and
dry. Check the carbon brush located as shown in FIG 3 : 2 .
It should protrude from the cap moulding and be free to
move against the pressure of the internal spring. Examine
the surface inside the cap for signs of 'tracking' which can
be seen as a thin black line between the electrodes or to
some metal part in contact with the cap. This is caused by
sparking, and the only cure is to fit a new cap.
Testing the low-tension circuit:
Before carrying out electrical tests, confirm that the
contact breaker points are clean and correctly set, then
proceed as follows:
1 Disconnect the black low-tension cable from the
ignition coil and from the side of the distributor.
Connect a test lamp between the t w o terminals. Turn
the engine over slowly. If the lamp lights when the
contacts close and goes out when they open, the
low-tension circuit is in order. If the lamp fails to light
the contacts are dirty or there is a break or loose con-
nection in the low-tension wiring.
2 If the fault lies in the
low-tension circuit, switch on
the ignition and turn the crankshaft until the contact
breaker points are fully open. Refer to the wiring
diagram in Technical Data and check the circuit with