1958 FIAT 500 Workshop Manual

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

Blank Page

CHAPTER 2
THE FUEL SYSTEM
2:1 Description
2 : 2 Fuel pump operating principles
2 : 3 Routine maintenance
2 : 4 Pump removal, dismantling and examination
2 : 5 Reassembly, installation and adjustment
2 : 6 Carburetter operation and adjustment,
Weber 26.1MB2 : 7 Modifications
2 : 8 Carburetter operation and adjustment,
Weber 26.OC
2 :9 Air cleaner
2 : 1 0 B l o w - b y gases recirculation device
2:11 Fuel tank
2:12 Fault diagnosis
2:1 Description
All the new 500 models use a mechanical diaphragm
fuel feed pump as shown in FIG 2 : 1. Four types of
carburetter are fitted depending on the model to which
the engine is installed. Each carburetter operation and
adjustment is fully described, together with details of the
recirculation device for blow-by gases and o i l vapours.
2 : 2 Fuel pump operating principles
Refer to FIG 2 : 2. An eccentric on the rotating camshaft
actuates the operating rocker 21 via a pushrod 25 which
depresses the diaphragm 14 and so creates a depression
in the pumping chamber located in upper body 5. Under
atmospheric pressure, petrol passes through the pipeline
connection and inlet valve into the pumping chamber.
The return spring 15 then raises the diaphragm, expelling
the petrol through the outlet valve and pipeline to the
carburetter float chamber.
When the float chamber is full, the pressure in the pipe-
line and pumping chamber holds the diaphragm depressed
against the tension of the return spring.2 : 3 Routine maintenance
A poor delivery of fuel to the carburetter may be due to
a fault in the fuel pump or related lines. Periodically the
pump body screws 19 (see FIG 2 : 2) and upper cover
screw 1 should be checked for tightness. The fuel pump
lines should be disconnected and checked for freedom of
restriction, chafing and loose connections. The fuel pump
filter should be removed and cleaned periodically.
2:4 Pump removal, dismantling and examination
The pump is located on the carburetter side of the
engine crankcase (sedan) or under the generator at the
front of the crankcase (station wagon).
Removal:
1 Disconnect the fuel pipe from the tank to stop petrol
syphoning out of the tank and then release the fuel
inlet and outlet pipes from the pump body.
2 Remove the t w o nuts and washers holding pump to
crankcase.
3 Carefully lift away the pump, gaskets and insulating pad
from the crankcase (see FIG 2 : 3).
F50035

CONTROL ROCKER FROM TANK TO CARBURETOR
FIG 2 : 1 Fuel pump. Arrows point to fuel inlet and outlet
FIG 2 : 2 Fuel pump components
KeytoFig2:2 1 Cover screw 2 Screw gasket3 Cover gasket 4 Cover 5 Upper body
6 Spring for inlet valve 7 Inlet valve 8 Outlet valve
9 Spring for outlet valve 10 Plate gasket 11 Plate screws
12 Valve retaining plate 13 Filter gauze 14 Diaphragm,
complete with tie rod 15 Return spring 16 Spring
thrust cup 17 Felt 18 Washer for felt
1 9 Connection screws 20 Lower body 21 Rocker
22, 24 Gaskets 23 Insulating pad 25 Pump control
pushrod
36
FIG 2 : 3 Fuel pump and control pushrod
FUELPUMP CONTROLPUSHROD
INSULATING
PAD
FUEL PUMP
A l l 500 Sedans are equipped with Weber type 26. IMB
carburetters w i t h detail differences only between the
models. The carburetter is of a downdraft single choke 2 : 6 Carburetter operation and adjustment,
Weber 26.IMB Carefully slide the pump control pushrod into the
crankcase, assemble the t w o gaskets w i t h the insulating
pad in between and slide over the pump retaining studs.
Ease t h e p u m p towards the crankcase ensuring the push-
rod locates correctly in the rocker end. Finally tighten the
two retaining nuts and spring washers. Installation:Ensure t h a t all parts are clean and dry. Assembling is the
reverse procedure of dismantling. Lubricate the rocker
lever and pin before placing them in the lower body. 2 : 5 Reassembly, installation and adjustment 1 Refer to FIG 2 : 2 and remove the cover mounting
screw 1 and washer 2. Lift off cover 4 and filter 13.
Mark the relative position of the two halves of the pump
body. Remove the pump bodies interlocking screws 19
and separate the upper half from the lower half of the
body.
2 Push down the centre of the diaphragm assembly 14
and rotate through 90 deg. to release diaphragm from
the rocker 2 1 . Lift out diaphragm and spring 15.
3 Release the t w o valve assemblies in the upper body by
removing the valve retaining plate locking screws 1 1 ,
and lifting out the plate 12, gasket 10, valve springs 6
and 9, and valves 7 and 8.
4 Using a pin punch remove the rocker pivot pin together
w i t h the t w o washers and carefully lift away rocker and
reaction spring.
5 Thoroughly wash all components in petrol and
blow
dry with compressed air or a foot pump. Inspect the
valves 7 and 8 for evidence of damage and valve springs
6 and 9 for weakness or cracks. Check to see that the
diaphragm reaction spring and rocker are not distorted
or unserviceable. Generally inspect all parts for cracks,
distortion and the diaphragm for stiffness and also the
rocker and pin for wear. Dismantling:

FIG 2:5 Starting device (choke) diagrammatic section
KeytoFig2:5 A Device fully inserted B Device partially inserted C Device disinserted 2 Air inlet 16 Bowl
19 Throttle 21 Primary venturi 24 Secondary venturi 26 Mixture duct 27 Mixture leaning air orifice
28 Transition duct 29 Transition mixture orifice 30 Starting mixture orifice 31 Transition orifice
32 Starting mixture orifice 33 Starting valve 34 Mixture duct 35 Starting device air orifices 36 Rocker
37 Lever return spring 38 Starting device control lever 39 Control wire screw 40 Cover with support for starting
device control bowden 41 Starting valve spring 42 Spring casing. 43 Starting jet emulsion air orifice
44 Air emulsion reserve well orifice 45 Starting reserve well 46 Starting jet
F50037
FIG 2 : 4 Diagrammatic section of Weber 26.IMB
carburetter
KeytoFig2:4 1 Air corrector jet 2 Air inlet
3 Idle speed mixture duct 4 Idle speed jet holder
5 Idle speed air orifice 6 Filter cover 7 Filter
8 Fuel inlet connection 9 Needle valve seat 10 Needle
11 Float pivot 12 Float 13 Idle speed jet
14 Main jet holder 15 Main jet 16 Bowl
17 Idle speed mixture adjustment screw 18 Idle speed
mixture orifice 19 Throttle 20 Transition hole
21 Primary venturi (not interchangeable) 22 Emulsion
orifices 23 Emulsion well 24 Secondary venturi
(not interchangeable) 25 Main nozzle
design with a 1.0236 inch diameter throat measured at the
height of the throttle shaft. The amount of charge passing
to the manifold is controlled by a throttle butterfly valve
from an accelerator pedal operating a lever secured to the
throttle valve shaft via a cable. The carburetter is fitted with
a progressive action starting device which enables the
driver to suit the mixture richness to the most arduous of
starting conditions, and will enable the engine to run
evenly until it reaches its normal operating temperature.
A dampened needle valve ensures a smooth running
engine as it is not affected by engine vibrations and there-
fore giving a constant fuel level in the carburetter bowl. A
secondary venturi is incorporated in the single casting of
the carburetter body and this has a diameter of 0.8268 inch.
Carburetter operation:
Filtered air flows through the venturi 24 (see FIG 2 :4)
where it mixes w i t h fuel flowing from the nozzle 25 and
the charge is then conveyed to the cylinders through the
primary venturi 21 and throat, where the throttle butterfly
19 controls the amount of charge.
Petrol flows from the main fuel line to the bowl 16
through a gauze filter 7 and needle valve 10, where the
float 12 pivoting at point 1 1 , controls the opening of the
needle 10 so maintaining a constant fuel level. From the
bowl 16 fuel reaches the emulsion well 23 via the metered
main jet 15 where, after having been mixed with the air
coming from the metered air corrector screw 1, through
the emulsion orifices 22 and spray nozzle 25, it finally
reaches the Venturis where it mixes w i t h the air stream

FIG 2 : 6 Weber 26.IMB carburetter starting device
(choke) end
Key to Fig 2 : 6 1 Choke device cover 2 Bowden
mounting screw 3 Nut and screw, choke bowden wire
4 Choke control lever A Position of lever 4 for 'fully
inserted' choke B 'Partially inserted' choke
C 'Disinserted' choke
caused by the engine suction and the charge is then drawn
into the cylinders.
The secondary venturi 24 is to increase the vacuum
around the nozzle 25 and to carry the charge to the centre
of the primary venturi 2 1 .
When the engine is idling, fuel is carried from the well
23 via an appropriate passage to the idle speed jet 13
where it is mixed with the air coming from the air inlet 5.
Through duct 3 and idle speed orifice 18 (adjustable by
means of a taper point screw 17), the fuel reaches the
carburetter throat, past throttle butterfly 19 where it is
further mixed with the air stream drawn in by the engine
vacuum through the gap around the throttle in the idling
speed position.
From the d u c t 3 the mixture can also reach the car-
buretter throttle chamber through a transition hole 20
which is located in exact relation to the throttle butterfly.
The purpose of this progression hole is to permit a smooth
acceleration of the engine from the idling speed, this being
proportional to the increase in the throttle opening.
Starting device:
This enables the engine to be started when it is cold
under the most arduous of weather conditions. It is con-
trolled by means of a lever placed behind the gearshift
lever and must be progressively adjusted to its normal
rest
position as the engine reaches the normal operating tem-
perature. The starting device comprises a valve 33 (see
FIG 2 : 5) actuated by the lug of the rocker 36 which is
connected to the control lever 38 by a suitable shaft. By
38
pulling the device control fully across through lever 38
and rocker 36, the valve 33 is lifted from its seating and
brought into the 'fully open' position. Refer to diagram 'A'
(FIG 2 : 5) . Under these conditions the valve 33 closes
the air hole 27 and the mixture hole 29 and uncovers
mixture orifices 30 and 32 which also communicate with
the starting jet 46 through a duct 26 and air holes 35.
With the valve 33 partially open the hole 29 may com-
municate with the carburetter throat through the valve
central slot, duct 28 and the hole 31 drilled in the venturi
21 corresponding with the venturi restriction.
When the throttle is set at the idling speed position, the
engine vacuum caused by the operation of the starter
enables the fuel contained in the recess of jet 4 6 , in the jet
and in the reserve well 45 to be mixed w i t h the air coming
from holes 43 and 44. The mixture arrives through the duct
26 and holes 30 and 32, at the same time as air passing
from the holes 35, past the throttle through duct 34 so
permitting easy starting of the engine.
After the engine has fired initially, the device will deliver
a charge with a rich petrol/air ratio so as to permit regular
running of the engine whilst it is cold. As soon as the
engine has warmed up to normal operating temperature
this charge would obviously be too rich and therefore it is
necessary to gradually ease o f f the operation of the starting
device as the engine reaches its normal operating tempera-
ture. During this adjustment the valve 43 slowly uncovers
the hole 27 which will permit a greater amount of air to
enter through the spring guide hole 42 so weakening the
mixture at the same time as closing the progression holes
30 and 32 and air holes 35 the amount of mixture is also
reduced. See diagram ' B ' (FIG 2 : 5).
The hole 29, the duct 28 and the hole 3 1 , which are
drilled in the venturi 21 permit a regular progression of
acceleration whilst the engine is cold as well as when it is
at normal operating temperature. By opening the throttle
butterfly 19 to increase the speed of the engine the
vacuum acting on the duct 34 is decreased. This causes a
drop in the amount of fuel delivered through duct 34 with
consequent irregular running of the engine but, through
hole 3 1 , duct 28 and hole 29 some charge is sucked in by
the vacuum formed in the restriction of the venturi, caused
by the opening of the throttle and this automatically com-
pensates for the reduction in the delivery through the duct
34.
When the starting device is not in operation, valve 33
covers the hole 29 and so preventing the passing of fresh
charge. Diagram ' C (FIG 2:5).
Engine s t a rting:
So that full advantage may be taken of the progressive
action starting device the engine should be started as
follows:
1 Cold starts:
The starting device should be moved across the position
'A', (FIG 2 : 6) . Once the engine has fired push the control
in partially.
2 Warm starts:
Only partially move the starting device as shown in
position 'B' (FIG 2 : 6).

3 Engine warm-up:
As the engine begins to warm up to its normal operating
temperature, gradually push home the starting device
lever so as only to supply the engine with the richened
charge enabling the cold engine operation to be smooth
and regular. Position ' B ' (FIG 2:6).
4 Normal car driving:
Once the engine has reached its normal operating
temperature the starting device should be completely
brought out of operation by bringing the control lever to
the position 'C (FIG 2:6).
Idle speed adjustment:
The idling speed of the engine is adjusted by means of a
throttle setscrew and the mixture setscrew, the position of
which are shown in FIG 2:7. The throttle screw allows for
the adjustment of the throttle butterfly opening, the coni-
cal mixture setscrew meters the amount of charge issuing
from the idling speed passage which causes the mixture
to blend with the air flowing past the throttle that leaves a
gap between its edges and the throat walls. This ensures
a correct petrol/air mixture ratio best suited to the engine
requirements giving smooth operation.
The engine idling speed must always be adjusted when
the engine is at its normal operating temperature and then
setting the throttle butterfly position to its minimum open-
ing position by adjusting the throttle setscrew so giving a
steady engine speed. Turn the mixture screw in or out so
as to set the mixture richness to the most suitable ratio for
the selected throttle opening. This will accomplish a fast
but steady idling. Reduce the minimum throttle opening
slightly by adjusting the throttle setscrew until the best
idling speed is obtained.
Adjustment of fuel level in float chamber:
The needle valve, seating and float are easily accessible
for inspection by removing the carburetter top cover. Before
checking the petrol level in the float chamber, ensure that
the needle valve seat is screwed well home and that the
gasket is in place. Also check that the calibrated orifice in
the valve seat is unobstructed and not worn and finally
check that the needle slides freely in its guide. Should the
valve and seating be leaking, then the valve assembly must
be renewed. Check that the float is not distorted or punc-
tured and that it moves on its pivot without resistance or
excessive play. Again renew the float assembly if there is
any doubt. To check the level proceed as follows:
1 Check that the needle valve 3 (see FIG 2 : 8) 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.
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 5/16 inch away from the cover with
its gasket 2
fitted flat against the cover face.
3 Check that the float travel is 5/16 inch and if necessary
bend the lug 5 to give the required settings.
4 If the float 9 is not correctly positioned, bend the float
arms 7 until the correct adjustment is obtained. Ensure
that the arm 6 is perpendicular to the needle axis and
F50039
does not show any rough spots or indentations which
might impair free movement of the needle. Check that
the float 9 freely moves about its pivot pin.
Every time a new float or needle valve assembly is fitted
the above detailed adjustment operations must be com-
pleted to ensure correct fuel levels. FIG 2 : 8 Float adjustment data
Key to Fig 2: 8 1 Carburetter cover 2 Cover gasket
3 Needle valve seat 4 Needle 5 Lug 6, 7 Arms
8 Needle ball 9 Float 7 .2756 inch 15 .5906 inch FIG 2 : 7 Weber 26.IMB carburetter in place on
engine. Idle speed is adjusted by working respectively
on throttle setting screw and mixture metering screw
THROTTLE SETTING SCREW
MIXTURE METERING SCREW