1970 FIAT 500 bearings

CHAPTER 1
THE ENGINE
1 :1
1 :2
1 :3
1 :4
1 :5
1 :6
1 :7
1 :8
1:9
1 :10
1 :11Description
Engine removal (sedan—all versions)
Engine removal (station wagon)
Engine disassembly (sedan—all versions)
Engine disassembly (station wagon)
Cylinder head removal, servicing and
replacement
Timing gear overhaul
Crankcase and cylinders
Piston assembly
Connecting rods
Crankshaft and main bearings
1 :1 Description
The 'New 500' two-cylinder aircooled engine operates
on the four-stroke 'Otto Cycle' and is fitted directly to
the transmission unit which incorporates the rear drive
assembly as shown in FIG 1 :1 and FIG 1 :2.
With the power unit fitted at the rear several advantages
are obtained including better load distribution to the
wheels when the vehicle is loaded, elimination of propeller
shaft reducing the size of centre tunnel and better use of
available space.
The cylinder block comprises t w o cast iron cylinder
barrels w i t h cooling fins. The bottom of the cylinders fit
into machined seats in the aluminium crankcase.
The aluminium crankcase carries eight studs on which
are located the t w o cylinder barrels w i t h the aluminium
cylinder head on the top.
A two bush crankshaft of special cast iron is fitted into
the lower half of the crankcase. The crankshaft is
F5009 provided with a counterweight and is hollow to allow for
lubrication.
The steel connecting rods have thin wall bearing halves
on the big-end, and bronze bushes in the small-end. The
offset piston pin is of steel and retained in the piston by
two circlips.
Light alloy pistons are used and are of the taper-oval-
shaped type with a maximum diameter at the base of the
skirt, along an axis perpendicular to the piston pin. Pistons
are fitted with four rings as follows, one compression at
the top, two standard oil scraper rings and one side slotted
oil scraper ring.
The one-piece aluminium cylinder head is finned to
provide a larger cooling surface and carries the inlet and
exhaust manifolds.
The inlet passages merge into a single centralized
flange onto which is mounted the carburetter. The exhaust
passages run almost parallel to the axis of the engine. 1 :12
1 :13
1 :14
1 :15
1 :16
1 :17
1 :18
1 :19
1 :20
1 :21
1 :22Flywheel and starter ring gear
The oil pump
Lubrication, oil filter, relief valve
Valve timing
Valve stem to rocker clearance
Engine assembly (sedan—all versions)
Engine assembly (station wagon)
Power plant mounting
Adjustment of generator and fan belt drive
Modifications
Fault diagnosis

FIG 1:33 Checking crankshaft land-to-connecting rod
shoulder clearance
FIG 1:34 Engine f r o n t end without flywheel
Using an expanding reamer or Fiat reamer U.0307 ease
out the internal diameter of the bush to between .7874
to .7876 inch so that a standard piston may be fitted.
4
Piston-connecting rod assembly:
To assemble the piston to the connecting rod fit the
connecting rod to the piston so that the cylinder identifica-
tion number which is stamped on the connecting rod stem
and cap faces the expansion slot side in the piston as
shown in FIG 1 :32.
Lubricate the piston with engine oil, compress the
piston rings into their grooves and insert the piston con-
necting rod assembly into the cylinder barrel w i t h the
identification numbers facing to the side opposite to the
camshaft as shown in FIG 1 :32.
If one or both connecting rods have been renewed the
new connecting rod cap and body must be stamped w i t h
the cylinder identification number. The figures should be
stamped as shown in FIG 1 :32.
24
FIG 1:35 Camshaft end crankshaft supporting mem-
ber and bearing assembly, and spare main bearing
CRANKSHAFT
SUPPORTING MEMBER
(Camshaft end)
MAIN BEARING
Carefully inspect the crankshaft for minute cracks espe-
cially where there is a change in section. Should there
be any doubt always consult the official agents for
further advice.
Inspect the journals and crankpins. Should score marks
or ovality exist on the journals or crankpins they must
be reground and new undersize bearings fitted.
Undersize main bearings are obtainable in the sizes
.0079, .0157, .0236, .0314, .0394 inch ready fitted in
supports.
Undersize connecting rod bearings are obtainable in the
sizes .01, .02, .03 and .04 inch. The crank should be
reground to match the appropriate bearing undersize.
The clearance between the main bearing to journal
should be .00079 to .00256 inch and the connecting
rod bearing half to crankpin between .00043 to
.0024 inch.
2 1
The special cast iron crankshaft is hollow to allow for
the passage of lubrication oil. It is supported at its ends and
is provided with two cranks and a central counterweight.
The crankshaft plays an important part in the operation of
the lubrication system as its cavity provides a passage for
the oil flowing from the centrifugal filter.
Before inspecting the crankshaft thoroughly clean the
internal passage and drillings as well as the exterior and
then proceed as follows: 1:11 Crankshaft and main bearings Upon reassembly the connecting rod cap nuts must be
tightened to a torque wrench setting of 23.9 Ib ft.

After the crankshaft has been reground it is important
that all traces of swarf are removed by constant washing
and then drying with a non-fluffy rag.
The clearance between the main bearings and journals
must be checked before installing the crankshaft in the
engine. It should also serve as a recheck after the
crankshaft has been reground.
Measure the maximum main bearing internal
diameter and the minimum journal diameter using
accurate measuring equipment. The clearance must not
exceed .0039 inch otherwise the journals must be
reground and undersize bearings fitted.
Undersize bearings w i t h .0394 inch stock on the
internal diameter are also supplied unmounted. They
must be press fitted in the supports, the recommended
interference fit being .00039 to .00197 inch. After
pressing the bearing into the support, a hole is drilled in
the bearing in line with the location dowel hole in the
support. The hole is finished with a suitable expanding
reamer, such as Fiat U.0334, and the dowel pressed i n ,
noting that the hollow dowel fits in the flywheel end
support.
The next stage is to heat the assembly in an oven or
oil bath for a period of one hour at 150°C (302°F).
When the assembly has cooled to room temperature,
the bearing is reamed in a lathe to match the crankshaft
journal size.
3
Crankshaft oil seals:
Two inner spring rubber oil seals are located, one in a
special seat in the timing gear cover and the other in the
flywheel end of the crankshaft support and provide oil
tightness. These seals are shown in FIGS 1 :3 and 1 :34.
Whenever the engine is dismantled for overhaul these
seals should be carefully inspected for correct seating and
that the inner seal surface is not worn and that the contact
area is perfect both on the crankshaft and on the fan and
generator drive pulley hub.
Clutch shaft pilot bushing:
A self-lubricating bronze bush is fitted in the end of the
crankshaft as shown in FIG 1 :34 and provides a bearing
for the clutch shaft. Should the bush be worn use Fiat
puller A.40006/1 /2 to remove the worn bush. A new bush
should be fitted using a suitably sized drift.
1:12 Flywheel and starter ring gear
The flywheel should be inspected for wear at the clutch
driven plate contact area. It should be flat and have a
smooth finish.
The ring gear teeth should be cheeked for damage
which if evident, the ring gear must be replaced. To facili-
tate the fitting of a new ring gear on the flywheel, the new
ring gear should be heated in an oil bath to a temperature
of 80°C (176°F). Using a press gently ease the
expanded
ring gear over the flywheel and press fully home.
1:13 The oil pump
Sedan :
A helical-spur gear type oil pump is driven by the cam-
shaft through a front dog drive coupling. The gears are
F50025 To remove the pump from the engine proceed as
follows:Pump removal and reassembly:
Remove the engine rear central support from the timing
gear casing. Remove the filter cover pulley and lift
away the drive belt.
Release the hollow screw attaching the slinger and the
mounting flange of the filter on the crankshaft. Also
release the nuts fixing the timing gear cover to the
crankcase.
Remove the timing gear cover together with the oil
pump assembly and the pressure relief valve.
Lift out the oil pump suction scoop with the filter
screen attached from the sump.
Reassembly of the pump to the engine is the reverse
procedure to dismantling. 1
2
3
4
5 located in a special housing in the timing gear cover and
held in place by a cover plate. The oil pressure relief valve
is mounted on the drive gear shaft guide.
A pump suction scoop fitted with a filter screen is
secured in the crankcase and connects to a duct in the
timing gear case as s h o w n in FIG 1 :36.
2
4
6Key t o Fig 1 :36
Rocker shaft
Ducts, cylinder head oil drain
Oil pressure relief valve
to centrifugal filter
9
with central oil gallery
12Sump cooling air conveyor
indicator sending unitOil filler with vent valve
Line, oil delivery to rocker shaft
Level indicator rod 31
5
7Gear pump
8 Oil duct
Centrifugal oil fitter
1110
Crankshaft
Oil pump intake screen filter
13 Low oil pressure FIG 1:36 Engine lubrication diagram

Drain the oil sump to ensure that the oil does not syphon
out. Thoroughly clean the area around the pump body
(see FIG 1 :37).
Remove the end cover plate by releasing the retaining
bolts and washers. Carefully ease t h e driven gear down-
wards followed by the driving gear and shaft
Clean all parts removed and blow clean using a com-
pressed air jet. Inspect the timing gear cover pump area
for cracks or distortion. Check that the inner duct for oil
delivery to the pump is clear of obstruction. If in doubt
remove the drain plug and filler cap and use a com-
pressed air j e t to clean the passage.
Check the gear teeth for damage or excessive wear,
ensure that the drive gear is firmly attached to its spindle
and that the end cover plate is not badly scored or pitted.
Fit new parts as necessary.
Reassembly is the reverse procedure to dismantling,
taking care that all parts are assembled clean and the
end cover plate seating correctly with a new gasket. 5 43 21
1:14 Lubrication, oil filter, relief valve
Description :
The engine is pressure lubricated through a gear type
pump which is incorporated in the timing gear cover and
driven from the camshaft by dogs or gears. The lubrication
circuits are shown in FIGS 1 :36 and 1 : 37.
The pump draws oil from the sump through a suction
horn fitted with a filter screen which is fixed to the crank-
case by a d u c t in t h e timing gear cover. This
supplies oil
to the pump.
Oil passes f r o m the camshaft rear seat o n t o t h e crank-
shaft rear support where it flows into an adjacent chamber.
From here the o i l flows through ducts in the crankshaft
from end to the centrifugal oil filter. The centrifugal filter,
which also acts as a pulley for the generator and blower
drive, rotates w i t h the crankshaft.
Oil from the filter enters a passage in the crankshaft,
where it lubricates the main and connecting rod bearings
and passes f r o m a special groove in the front main
bearing and ducting in the crankcase into which is
inserted the oil pressure warning sender unit, and also
the delivery pipe for oil to the overhead valve gear.
The pushrod sleeves provide the return path for the oil
from the cylinder head and delivers oil to the tappet gear
and the camshaft cams. The tappets are suitably drilled
to allow correct circulation of the oil. The tappets are
located in t w o casting cavities, one of which com-
municates w i t h the timing gear housing and the other
one to the crankshaft front drain support drain.
The oil pressure is regulated by a pressure relief valve 5
(see FIG 1 : 3 8) mounted at the rear end of t h e camshaft.
It comprises a hubbed disc which slides on a guide 6 of
the oil pump drive shaft 7. Under spring load 9 the valve
disc circumferentially closes an annular chamber which
communicates w i t h the lubrication circuit. Excessive o i l
pressure causes the disc to uncover the chamber.
Centrifugal oil filter:
The oil filter is of the centrifugal type comprising of
two flanges and an oil slinger. The filter is attached to the
rear end o f t h e c r a n k s h a f t a s s h o w n i n FIG 1 :38. The
outside diameter of the oil slinger (see FIG 1 :39) is
smaller in diameter than that of the flanges but of such a
F50027
Key to Fig 1:39 1 Drive pulley 2 Rotor hub
3 Seal ring 4 Oil slinger 5 Lockplate
6 Hub-to-crankshaft hollow screw 7, 8, 9 Pulley-to-hub
mounting screws, toothed washers and plain washers FIG 1:39 Centrifugal oil filter components Key to Fig 1 :38 Suction scoop 2 Hole in crankcase
3 Duct in timing sprocket cover 4 Timing sprocket cover
5 Oil pressure relief valve 6 Drive shaft guide and oil
pump cover 7 Oil pump driving gear shaft 8 Camshaft
9 Oil pressure relief valve spring FIG 1:38 Engine longitudinal section through oil pump

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

FIG 5:10 Clutch throw-out mechanism
Key to Fig 5:10 1 Clutch throw-out yoke
2 Yoke return spring 3 Rod nut and counternut
4 Adjustable rod 5 Clutch throw-out
onto this shaft the outer operating lever is attached by
means of a key.
A return spring connected to the outer operating lever
is anchored onto the gearbox casing. When the clutch is in
its normal position the spring keeps the central thrust
carbon ring away from the withdrawal levers carrier ring.
The carbon ring is pressed against the carrier ring by the
throw-out ring which is connected to the forked lever as
shown in FIG 5 : 8 .
The clutch pedal must have free travel of 1"3/8 to 1"9/16 inch.
Should any adjustment be necessary release the locknut
from the adjustable tie rod and adjust the position of the
tie rod until the correct adjustment is obtained. Tighten the
locknut.
500F. L and later station wagon:
The free travel of the clutch pedal should be 19/32 to
1"3/16 inch which corresponds to a clearance of .059 inch
between the throw-out sleeve and the ring (see FIG 5 : 7).
Should any correction be necessary release the adjust-
able rod locknut (see FIG 5:10), and reposition the
adjustable rod using the rod nut until the recommended
clutch pedal travel is obtained. Retighten the locknut.
5 : 8 Fault diagnosis
(a) Drag or spin
1 Oil or grease on driven plate lining
64
(g) Driven plate fracture
1 Check 2 and 3 in (a)
2 Drag and distortion due to hanging gearbox in plate hub (f) Tick or knock
1 Worn first motion shaft spigot or bearings
2 Badly worn splines in driven plate hub
3 Release plate out of line
4 Faulty Bendix drive on starter motor
5 Loose flywheel
(e) Rattle
1 Check 3 in (c)
2 Worn release mechanism
3 Excessive backlash in transmission
4 Wear in transmission bearings
5 Release bearing loose on fork (d) Judder
1 Check 1, 2 and 3 in (a)
2 Pressure plate not parallel with flywheel face
3 Contact area of driven plate linings not evenly distribu-
ted
4 Bent first-motion shaft
5 Buckled driven plate
6 Faulty power unit mountings
7 Worn suspension mountings
8 Weak rear springs
9 Loose drive shafts (c) Slip
1 Check 1, 2 and 3 in (a)
2 Check 2 in (b)
3 Weak pressure springs or diaphragm spring (b) Fierceness or snatch
1 Check 1, 2 and 3 in (a)
2 Worn clutch linings 2 Misalignment between engine and gearbox first motion
shaft
3 Driven plate hub binding on first motion shaft splines
4 Binding of first motion shaft spigot bearing
5 Distorted clutch plate
6 Warped or damaged pressure plate or clutch cover
7 Broken driven plate linings
8 Dirt or foreign matter in clutch

PRIMARY SHAFT-TO-CLUTCH
SHAFT MOUNTING PINCLUTCH SHAFT SEAL PRIMARY SHAFT WITH
1st, 3 r d A N D 4 t h SPEED
GEAR CLUSTER
2 n d SPEED
DRIVE GEARPRIMARY SHAFT
FRONT BALL BEARINGPRIMARY SHAFT
REAR BALL BEARING
PRIMARY
SHAFT-TO-CLUTCH
i SHAFT JOINING SLEEVEJOINING SLEEVELOCKRING
SPEED SELECTOR LEVER
CLUTCH SHAFT
LAYSHAFT WITH BEVEL PINION
SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR
2 n d SPEED ENGAGEMENT
SLIDING SLEEVE
2 N D SPEED DRIVEN GEAR
LAYSHAFT FRONT BALL
BEARING
3 r d SPEED DRIVEN GEARHUB FOR
SLEEVE
3rd AND 4th/
SPEED ENGAGEMENT
SLIDING SLEEVE4 t h SPEED
DRIVEN GEARLAYSHAFT REAR ROLLER BEARING
LAYSHAFT-TO-PINION
ADJUSTMENT WASHER 1st SPEED AND)
REVERSE SLIDING GEAR
FIG 6:1Gearbox-differential unit longitudinal section
On the primary shaft extension outside the main central
body is mounted the second-speed driving gear. The
primary shaft is supported at both ends by ballbearings
whilst the clutch shaft rotates in a bronze spigot bush which
is press fitted into the end of the crankshaft. An oil seal is
fitted in the clutch shaft passage seat in the c o n n e c t i o n
support. The layshaft, together with the drive pinion of the
differential unit is supported at the front by a ballbearing
race. The layshaft carries the pinion adjustment shim, the
fourth-speed driven gear and its bushing, the hub and
relevant engagement sleeve for the t h i r d - and fourth-
speed w i t h first-speed and reverse-speed, the third-speed
gear and bushing and, outside the casing the second gear
and bushing, the hub with relevant second-speed engage-
ment sleeve and the speedometer drive gear.
The gears are operated by a gear selection lever mounted
on the tunnel situated between the two front seats. This
operates through a rod actuating the selector and shifting
mechanism which is housed in the gearbox casing cover.
Refer to FIG 6 :3 where it will be seen th a t the positioning
of the striker rods is ensured by a spring-loaded ball-
bearing. The risk of engaging two gears at the same time is
eliminated by three rollers which slide in suitable slots
machined in the rod (see FIG 6 : 4).
The differential unit and the final drive gear train are
housed in the t w o semi-covers which
have previously
been described, the final drive pinion being integral with
the layshaft. The differential casing may be split into t w o
halves. The bevel gear is fitted on one of the halves and is
66
secured by the same screws joining the two halves
together. The differential side gears are internally splined
into which are located the splined axle shaft ends which
are able to slide by means of a specially designed slip joint.
Two specially shaped rubber oil boots are inserted on the
swing axle shafts and fit over the side gear extensions to
ensure that there is no loss of lubricant or the ingress
of dirt.
The transmission and differential unit to suit the station
wagon differs from the sedan in that the transmission to
engine mounting plate and the bellhousing are modified to
suit the engine repositioned on its side.
6 : 2 Removal of gearbox/differential unit:
The complete unit may be removed whilst the engine
remains in situ and to remove this unit proceed as follows:
1 Disconnect the battery positive cable and jack up the
rear of t h e vehicle and place on firmly based stands.
2 Disconnect all control cables and wiring from the
starter motor and the clutch lever. Remove the starter
motor, the clutch lever reaction spring and the clutch
cable support on the gearbox.
3 Remove the three bolts securing each of the driving
shaft flanges to the flexible coupling at the wheel ends
and carefully take out the inner spring.
4 Disconnect the shifter rod from the gearshift lever at the
gearbox extension and also the
speedometer drive
cable. Remove also the flywheel undercover. Place a
suitable support under the engine.

FIG 6:7 Differential components
Key toFig 6:7 1 Axle shafts 2 Sleeve retainment lockrings 3 Slip joint casings 4 Axle shaft-to-wheel shaft
coupling sleeve 5 Differential case cover w i t h bearing inner race 6 Side gears 7 Oil boot retainment cover
8 Side gear thrust ring 9 Idle pinion shaft 10 Idle pinions 11 Oil boots 12 Differential case w i t h bearing inner race
13 Adjuster retainment ring 14 Bearing housings with retaining nuts and outer races 15 Idle pinion shaft retainment cup
1 6 Bevel gear
withdraw the layshaft together w i t h the final drive
pinion and the roller bearing inner race from the rear.
11 From the inside of the gearbox casing carefully slide off
the following parts from the mainshaft, the drive
pinion adjustment shim, the third and fourth driven
speed gears together with their bushes, the t hird- and
fourth-speed hub and sliding sleeve, the first and
reverse driven gear, and carefully drive out the front
bearings and the bevel pinion rear bearing outer race.
1 2 Using a suitable press, drive out the drive pinion roller
bearing inner race from the end of the mainshaft.
Inspection of components:
Before inspecting the various parts removed from the
gearbox casing thoroughly wash all components and
blow dry using a compressed air jet and then proceed as
follows:
1 Thoroughly inspect the gearbox casing to ensure that it
is not cracked and that the bearing seats are neither
F50069 worn or damaged so allowing the bearing outer ring
to rotate during the normal operation.
2 Thoroughly check the ballbearings to ensure that they
are in perfect condition and that both radial ply and
axial play is not excessive. The maximum permissible
bearing play is as follows:
Front bearings of primary shaft layshaft:
(a) Sideways .002 inch
(b) Endwise .017 inch
Primary shaft rear bearing:
(a) Sideways .002 inch
(b) Endwise .016 inch
Hold the bearings firmly by the outer race and gently
rock the inner race backwards and forwards. The sliding
action produced should be free and silent. If any rough-
ness is felt then the bearings must be renewed. Check
the roller bearings by inspecting the condition of the
rollers as well as the outer and inner races. Always fit
new bearings if there is any doubt as to their efficiency.