1971 FIAT 500 level

Insert a .0079 ± .00197 inch thick oil paper gasket
between the crankcase and cylinder bottom face and a
.0236 to .0275 inch thick graphitized asbestos gasket
between the cylinder and cylinder head. The compression
of the gaskets on assembly will eliminate any very small
differences between the t w o mating surfaces.
Inspection of tappet seats:
The tappet seats should be checked for scoring and
correct clearance which must not exceed .00315 inch.
Should the clearance be greater than the maximum
specified the seating may be reamed to oversize dimen-
sions as detailed in Technical Data. Tappets are avail-
able in .00197 and .00394 inch diameter oversize.
1 :9 Piston assembly
Inspection:
Before inspection the pistons must be thoroughly
cleaned and the ring grooves and piston head decarbo-
nized. Check for deep score marks and signs of distortion
or fracture especially around the skirt and piston pin areas.
Using a feeler gauge ensure that the piston clearances in
the bore do not exceed a maximum of .0059 inch for the
Model 500 engine and .0079 inch for the Model 500
sports engine (see FIG 1 :25) . The measurements should
be taken at the bottom of the skirt and square to the piston
pin axis.
Should the clearance be greater than the maximum
permissible, the cylinders may be rebored and oversize
pistons fitted to m
atch them. Pistons are supplied in the
following oversizes, .0079, .0157 and .0236 inch. It
should be noted that oversize pistons and rings are not
available for the Model 500 sports engine so if the piston
to cylinder wall clearance is greater than the permissible
maximum limit the cylinder and piston assembly must be
renewed.
The piston ring to groove clearance must be checked as
shown in FIG 1 :26 and the ring gap when fitted as in
FIG 1 : 2 7. In both cases the readings should be
compared with the piston data. Piston rings are available
in the same oversize classes as the pistons. When
installing piston rings the gap should be placed opposite to
the piston expansion stops. Ensure that the ring gaps are
scattered and not in a line.
FIG 1:24 Checking cylinder head mating face f o r level
Out-of-true should not exceed .00315 i n c h
F50021
The installation of the piston and connecting rod should
be carried out on a clean workbench as shown in Reassembly of piston: Check that the f i t between the piston pin and boss is a
pinch fit. If excessive clearance is found the boss may be
reamed and a .0079 inch diameter oversize piston pin
fitted. The pin to bore pinch fit must be between .0000 to
.0039 inch. At all times the pins should be installed only
after the piston has been heated in hot water to a tempe-
rature of 80°C. Upon reassembly of the piston to the
engine the expansion slot must be placed facing the cam-
shaft.FIG 1 :26 Checking piston ring-to-land clearance FEELER GAUGE C.316
FIG 1:25 Using feeler gauge C.316 to check piston-to-
cylinder wall clearance

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

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

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

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

FIG 2:12 illustrates the starting device fitted to
26.IMB.4 and later carburetters. It differs from earlier
units in detail, principally in having fewer starting mixture
orifices 30 and 32 into the mixture duct 26.
2 : 8 Carburetter operation and adjustment,
Weber 26. OC
The new 500 station wagon is fitted with the Weber
26.OC carburetter which is of a horizontal draft design to
suit the engine which is fitted in the horizontal position.
The carburetter is fitted with a progressive action starting
device which enables the driver to adjust the mixture rich-
ness to the most arduous of starting conditions, and will
enable the engine to run eyenly until it reaches 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 bowls.
A secondary venturi is incorporated in the single casting
of the carburetter body.
Carburetter operation, starting device:
The petrol from bowl 23 (see FIG 2:13) reaches the
starting jet 37 through the duct 35. By operating the choke
lever 31 to the end of its stroke, the valve 30 is lifted from
its seat and brought to the 'fully open' position as shown
in diagram 'A' (FIG 2:13). Under these conditions the
valve 30 uncovers both the starting mixture ducts 28 and
29. With the throttle set in the idling speed position the
engine vacuum created by the operation of the starter
motor causes the fuel contained in the recess of j e t 37 in
the jet and the reserve
well 36 to be mixed with the air
coming from the air jet 38.
The mixture arrives through the ducts 28 and 29 at the
same time as air from holes 34, past the throttle so per-
mitting easy starting of the engine.
A
B
C
FIG 2:12 Section of later starting device
Key to Fig 2:12 A Cold starting position B Warming up position C Normal running position
2 Air inlet 21 Primary venturi 24 Secondary venturi 26 Mixture duct 27 Air bleed 30,32 Starting mixture orifices
33 Valve 34 Mixture duct 35 Air orifices 38 Rocker 39 Lever return spring 40 Control lever 41 Control wire screw
42 Cover and cable support 43 Valve spring 44 Spring guide and retainer 45 Starting jet emulsion air duct 46 Emulsion
air reserve well duct 47 Reserve well 48 Starting jet
F50041 Once the engine has initially fired the starting device will
deliver a mixture whose petrol/air ratio is such that the
engine will run regularly even though it is cold. As soon as
the engine warms up this rich charge would be excessive
and therefore it becomes necessary to gradually ease back
the operation of the starting device. As this is occurring,
the valve 30 gradually covers up the mixture duct orifice 28
so as to weaken the mixture while by closing the duct 29
gradually. It also reduces the amount of mixture delivered
by the carburetter as shown in diagram ' B ' (FIG 2:13). FIG 2:11 Mounting flange modification: A earlier, B
later (dimensions in mm)

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.

although these do not affect the service procedures that
have been previously described.
6:12 Fault diagnosis
(a) Noisy transmission
1 Excessive backlash of gears in mesh due to gear wear
2 Gears, bearings or gear bushings damaged
3 Shafts misaligned or out of centre due to loose mount-
ing nuts
4 Dirt or metal chips in the lubricant
5 Insufficient oil level in transmission case
(b) Transmission jumps out of gear or gear
shifting is irregular
1 Improper shifting
2 Gear shift lever mounting bracket out of adjustment
3 Incorrect assembly or damage of striker rod positioning
balls and springs
4 Striker rod rollers worn or assembled incorrectly
(c) Oil leakage
1 Overfilled transmission case2 Front extension, upper cover and clutch housing nutsloose
3 Speed selector and engagement lever seal at front
extension damaged
4 Faulty bellhousing gasket
5 Gaskets, upper cover-to-case, front extension-to-case,
damaged
6 Damaged axle shaft boot or seal
(d) Transmission shifts hard
1 Defective link of gear shift lever to internal front lever
2 Internal front lever rubber bushing and plates damaged
3 Speed selector and engagement lever control rod
twisted
4 Control rod-to-speed selector and engagement lever
joint damaged
5 Speed selector and engagement lever worn
6 Striker rods binding in casing
7 Sliding sleeves and gears bound in their seats due to
the presence of dirt in splines
8 Improper quality of transmission lubricant
9 Misadjusted clutch linkage and clutch make de-
clutching impossible
78