1983 FIAT UNO air condition

The Fiat Uno is a well designed and
constructed car having an excellent
power-to-weight ratio.
The car is very economical, but still offers
good performance with excellent body interior
space.
Attractive features include the options
available for four- or five-speeds or three- or
five-door bodywork.
All essential accessories, except a radio,
are fitted as standard and a sunroof is
optionally available.
From the home mechanic’s point of view all
repair and servicing operations are straight-
forward without the need for special tools.
Spare parts are immediately available at
moderate cost.
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to Champion Spark Plug
who supplied the illustrations showing spark
plug conditions. Certain other illustrations are
the copyright of the Fiat Motor Company (UK)
Limited and are used with their permission.
Thanks are also due to Sykes-Pickavant
Limited, who provided some of the
workshop tools, and to all those people at
Sparkford who helped in the production of
this manual.
We take great pride in the accuracy of
information given in this manual, but
vehicle manufacturers make alterations
and design changes during the production
run of a particular vehicle of which they do
not inform us, No liability can be accepted
by the authors or publishers for loss,
damage or injury caused by any errors in,
or omissions from, the information given.
0•4Introduction
Introduction to the
Fiat Uno
Fiat Uno 1301 cc Turbo ie
Fiat Uno 1372 cc 70 SX ie

Safety First!0•5
Working on your car can be dangerous.
This page shows just some of the potential
risks and hazards, with the aim of creating a
safety-conscious attitude.
General hazards
Scalding
• Don’t remove the radiator or expansion
tank cap while the engine is hot.
• Engine oil, automatic transmission fluid or
power steering fluid may also be dangerously
hot if the engine has recently been running.
Burning
• Beware of burns from the exhaust system
and from any part of the engine. Brake discs
and drums can also be extremely hot
immediately after use.
Crushing
• When working under or near
a raised vehicle,
always
supplement the
jack with axle
stands, or use
drive-on
ramps.
Never
venture
under a car which
is only supported by a jack.
• Take care if loosening or tightening high-
torque nuts when the vehicle is on stands.
Initial loosening and final tightening should
be done with the wheels on the ground.
Fire
• Fuel is highly flammable; fuel vapour is
explosive.
• Don’t let fuel spill onto a hot engine.
• Do not smoke or allow naked lights
(including pilot lights) anywhere near a
vehicle being worked on. Also beware of
creating sparks
(electrically or by use of tools).
• Fuel vapour is heavier than air, so don’t
work on the fuel system with the vehicle over
an inspection pit.
• Another cause of fire is an electrical
overload or short-circuit. Take care when
repairing or modifying the vehicle wiring.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy, of a type
suitable for use on fuel and electrical fires.
Electric shock
• Ignition HT
voltage can be
dangerous,
especially to
people with heart
problems or a
pacemaker. Don’t
work on or near the
ignition system with
the engine running or
the ignition switched on.• Mains voltage is also dangerous. Make
sure that any mains-operated equipment is
correctly earthed. Mains power points should
be protected by a residual current device
(RCD) circuit breaker.
Fume or gas intoxication
• Exhaust fumes are
poisonous; they often
contain carbon
monoxide, which is
rapidly fatal if inhaled.
Never run the
engine in a
confined space
such as a garage
with the doors shut.
• Fuel vapour is also
poisonous, as are the vapours from some
cleaning solvents and paint thinners.
Poisonous or irritant substances
• Avoid skin contact with battery acid and
with any fuel, fluid or lubricant, especially
antifreeze, brake hydraulic fluid and Diesel
fuel. Don’t syphon them by mouth. If such a
substance is swallowed or gets into the eyes,
seek medical advice.
• Prolonged contact with used engine oil can
cause skin cancer. Wear gloves or use a
barrier cream if necessary. Change out of oil-
soaked clothes and do not keep oily rags in
your pocket.
• Air conditioning refrigerant forms a
poisonous gas if exposed to a naked flame
(including a cigarette). It can also cause skin
burns on contact.
Asbestos
• Asbestos dust can cause cancer if inhaled
or swallowed. Asbestos may be found in
gaskets and in brake and clutch linings.
When dealing with such components it is
safest to assume that they contain asbestos.
Special hazards
Hydrofluoric acid
• This extremely corrosive acid is formed
when certain types of synthetic rubber, found
in some O-rings, oil seals, fuel hoses etc, are
exposed to temperatures above 400
0C. The
rubber changes into a charred or sticky
substance containing the acid. Once formed,
the acid remains dangerous for years. If it
gets onto the skin, it may be necessary to
amputate the limb concerned.
• When dealing with a vehicle which has
suffered a fire, or with components salvaged
from such a vehicle, wear protective gloves
and discard them after use.
The battery
• Batteries contain sulphuric acid, which
attacks clothing, eyes and skin. Take care
when topping-up or carrying the battery.
• The hydrogen gas given off by the battery
is highly explosive. Never cause a spark or
allow a naked light nearby. Be careful when
connecting and disconnecting battery
chargers or jump leads.
Air bags
• Air bags can cause injury if they go off
accidentally. Take care when removing the
steering wheel and/or facia. Special storage
instructions may apply.
Diesel injection equipment
• Diesel injection pumps supply fuel at very
high pressure. Take care when working on
the fuel injectors and fuel pipes.
Warning: Never expose the hands,
face or any other part of the body
to injector spray; the fuel can
penetrate the skin with potentially fatal
results.
Remember...
DO
• Do use eye protection when using power
tools, and when working under the vehicle.
• Do wear gloves or use barrier cream to
protect your hands when necessary.
• Do get someone to check periodically
that all is well when working alone on the
vehicle.
• Do keep loose clothing and long hair well
out of the way of moving mechanical parts.
• Do remove rings, wristwatch etc, before
working on the vehicle – especially the
electrical system.
• Do ensure that any lifting or jacking
equipment has a safe working load rating
adequate for the job.
A few tips
DON’T
• Don’t attempt to lift a heavy component
which may be beyond your capability – get
assistance.
• Don’t rush to finish a job, or take
unverified short cuts.
• Don’t use ill-fitting tools which may slip
and cause injury.
• Don’t leave tools or parts lying around
where someone can trip over them. Mop
up oil and fuel spills at once.
• Don’t allow children or pets to play in or
near a vehicle being worked on.

Cylinder head - removal and refitting
Sump pan - removal and refitting
Pistons/connecting rods - removal and
refitting
Oil pump - removal and refitting
Engine mountings - renewal
1116 cc and 1301 cc engines
Valve clearances - checking and adjusting
Camshaft and camshaft carrier - removal
and refitting
Timing belt - removal and refitting
Cylinder head - removal and refitting
Sump pan - removal and refitting
Oil pump - removal and refitting
Pistons/connecting rods - removal and
refitting
Engine mountings - renewal
Part 2:
903 cc engine
5 Valve clearances-
adjustment
2
1Adjust the valves when the engine is cold.
2Unbolt and remove the rocker cover.
3It is important that the clearance is set
when the cam follower of the valve being
adjusted is on the heel of the cam (ie;
opposite the peak). This can be done by
carrying out the adjustments in the following
order, which also avoids turning the
crankshaft more than necessary.
4Turn the crankshaft either using a spanner
on the pulley nut or by raising a front
roadwheel, engaging a gear (3rd or 4th) and
turning the wheel in the forward direction of
travel. It will be easier to turn the engine if the
spark plugs are first removed.
Valve fully open Check and adjust
Valve No. 8 EX Valve No. 1 EX
Valve No. 6 IN Valve No. 3 IN
Valve No. 4 EX Valve No. 5 EX
Valve No. 7 IN Valve No. 2 IN
Valve No. 1 EX Valve No. 8 EX
Valve No. 3 IN Valve No. 6 IN
Valve No. 5 EX Valve No. 4 EX
Valve No. 2 IN Valve No. 7 IN5Count the valves from the timing cover end
of the engine.
6Remember, the inlet and exhaust valve
clearances are different.
7Insert the appropriate feeler gauge between
the end of the valve stem and the rocker arm.
It should be a stiff sliding fit (photo).
8If the clearance is incorrect, release the
rocker arm adjuster screw locknut using a ring
spanner. Turn the adjuster screw using a
small open-ended spanner, but tie something
to it in case it is inadvertently dropped
through one of the pushrod holes.
9Once the clearance is correct, tighten the
locknut without moving the position of the
adjuster screw.
10Repeat the operations on the remaining
seven valves.
11Re-check all the clearances. Make sure
that the rocker cover gasket is in good
condition and fit the rocker cover.
6 Timing chain and sprockets
- removal and refitting
3
1Remove the alternator drivebelt as
described in Chapter 2.
2Unscrew and remove the crankshaft pulley
nut.3Disconnect the hoses from the fuel pump.
4Unbolt and remove the fuel pump with
spacer and rod.
5Support the engine on a hoist or under the
sump and disconnect and remove the
right-hand mounting. Then unscrew and
remove the timing cover bolts. The base of
the cover is secured by the front two sump
pan studs. Unbolt and lower the front end of
the sump. Avoid breaking the gasket. Remove
the timing cover.
6Undo and remove the camshaft sprocket
securing bolt; this will also release the fuel
pump drive cam from the end of the camshaft.
Note the timing marks on the camshaft and
crankshaft sprockets.
7Using two tyre levers, carefully ease the two
sprockets forwards away from the crankcase.
Lift away the two sprockets and timing chain.
8Remove the Woodruff key from the
crankshaft nose with a pair of pliers and note
how the channel in the pulley is designed to fit
over it. Place the Woodruff key in a container
as it is a very small part and can easily
become lost. The camshaft sprocket is
located on the camshaft by a dowel peg.Refitting
9Fit the Woodruff key to the front of the
crankshaft.
10Tap the crankshaft sprocket onto the front
of the crankshaft.
11Turn the sprocket so that the Woodruff
key is uppermost.
12Turn the camshaft until it is in such a
position that if the sprocket was fitted the
dimple timing mark on the sprocket would be
nearest to and in alignment with, the one on
the crankshaft sprocket.
903 cc engine 1•9
5.7 Adjusting a valve clearance
1 Sprocket retaining bolt
2 Fuel pump eccentric cam
3 Timing chain4 Camshaft sprocket
5 Sprocket locating dowel
6 Camshaft7 Woodruff key
8 Crankshaft
9 Crankshaft sprocket
Fig. 1.6 Timing chain and sprockets (Sec 6)
1
To prevent the crankshaft
rotating, either select a gear
and have an assistant apply
the footbrake hard or
remove the starter motor and lock the
ring gear teeth with a large cold chisel
or screwdriver.

Fault finding - all engines
Note: When investigating starting and uneven running faults, do not be tempted into snap diagnosis. Start from the beginning of the check
procedure and follow it through. It will take less time in the long run. Poor performance from an engine in terms of power and economy is not
normally diagnosed quickly. In any event, the ignition and fuel systems must be checked first before assuming any further investigation needs to
be made.
All engines 1•35
1
Engine fails to turn when starter operated
m mBattery discharged
m mBattery terminals loose or corroded
m mBattery earth to body defective
m mEngine/transmission earth strap broken or loose
m mDisconnected or broken wire in starter circuit
m mIgnition/starter switch defective
m mStarter motor or solenoid defective (see Chapter 9)
m mMajor mechanical failure (seizure) or long disuse (piston rings rusted
to bores)
Engine turns and fails to start
m mBattery discharged
m mBattery terminals loose or corroded
m mBattery or engine earth strap loose
m mStarter motor connections loose
m mOil in engine/transmission too thick
m mStarter motor defective
m mVapour lock in fuel line (in hot conditions or at high altitude)
m mBlocked float chamber needle valve
m mFuel pump filter blocked
m mChoked or blocked carburettor jets
m mFaulty fuel pump
m mFuel tank empty
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
m mShorted or disconnected low tension leads
m mDirty, incorrectly set, or pitted contact breaker points
m mContact breaker point spring earthed or broken
m mFaulty condenser
m mDefective ignition switch
m mFaulty coil
m mDamp or dirty HT leads, distributor cap or plug bodies
m mBroken, loose or disconnected LT leads
m mIgnition leads connected wrong way round
m mOther ignition fault (see Chapter 4)
m mValve timing incorrect (after rebuild)
Engine fires but will not run
m
mInsufficient choke (cold engine)
m mFuel starvation or tank empty
m mIgnition fault (see Chapter 4)
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
Engine stalls and will not restart
m
mToo much choke allowing too rich a mixture to wet plugs
m mFloat damaged or leaking or needle not seating
m mFloat lever incorrectly adjusted
m mIgnition failure - sudden
m mIgnition failure - misfiring precedes total stoppage
m mIgnition failure - in severe rain or after traversing water splash
m mNo petrol in petrol tank
m mPetrol tank breather choked
m mSudden obstruction in carburettor
m mWater in fuel system
Engine slow to warm up
m
mChoke linkage maladjusted
m mAir cleaner temperature control unit defective
m mThermostat stuck open (see Chapter 2)
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
Difficult starting when cold
m
mInsufficient choke
m mFouled or incorrectly gapped spark plugs
m mDamp or dirty HT leads, distributor cap or spark plug bodies
m mDirty or maladjusted contact breaker points
m mOther ignition fault or timing maladjustment (see Chapter 4)
m mFuel system or emission control fault (see Chapter 3)
m mPoor compression (may be due to incorrect valve clearances, burnt
or sticking valves, blown head gasket, worn or damaged pistons,
rings or bores)
m mIncorrect valve timing (after rebuild)
Difficult starting when hot
m
mIncorrect use of manual choke
m mFuel line vapour lock (especially in hot weather or at high altitudes)
m mIncorrect ignition timing
m mOther fuel system or emission control fault (see Chapter 3)
m mPoor compression (see above)
Engine lacks power
m
mIgnition timing incorrect
m mContact breaker points incorrectly gapped
m mIncorrectly set spark plugs
m mDirty contact breaker points
m mDistributor automatic advance and retard mechanisms not
functioning correctly
m mOther ignition system fault (see Chapter 4)
m mAir cleaner choked
m mCarburation too rich or too weak
m mFuel filter blocked
m mAir filter blocked
m mFaulty fuel pump giving top and fuel starvation
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
m mPoor compression
m mValve clearances incorrect
m mCarbon build-up in cylinder head
m mSticking or leaking valves
m mWeak or broken valve springs
m mWorn valve guides or stems
m mWorn pistons and piston rings
m mBurnt out valves
m mBlown cylinder head gasket (accompanied by increase in noise)
m mWorn pistons and piston rings
m mWorn or scored cylinder bore
m mBrakes binding
Engine misfires throughout speed range
m
mDefective or fouled spark plug
m mLoose, cracked or defective HT lead
m mMaladjusted, sticking or burnt valves
m mIgnition timing incorrect
m mBlown head gasket
m mFuel contaminated
m mOther ignition fault (see Chapter 4)
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
Poor engine braking
m
mHigh idle speed
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
m mLow compression

6Avoid unscrewing the expansion tank cap
when the engine is hot, but if this must be
done, cover the cap with a cloth to avoid
scalding by escaping steam.
7Periodically, check the condition of all
coolant hoses and tighten the clips.
2 Cooling system- draining,
flushing and refilling
1
1Set the heater temperature lever to
maximum.
2Unscrew the cap from the expansion tank.
3Disconnect the radiator bottom hose and
unscrew the cylinder block drain plug (1116
cc and 1301 cc engines) and allow the coolant
to drain. Refer to photo 29.21B, page 64.
4If the system is in good condition with no
sign of rust or dirt in the drained coolant, then
it may be refilled immediately. If the system
has been neglected and the antifreeze has notbeen regularly renewed and there is evidence
of rust and sediment in the drained liquid then
flush the system through with a cold water
hose.
5If the radiator should appear to be clogged,
it may be necessary to remove it (Section 7)
invert it and reverse flush it using a cold water
hose. If, after a reasonable period the water
still does not run clear, the radiator should be
flushed with a good proprietary cleaning
system. Extensive damage should be repaired
by a specialist or the unit exchanged for a
new or reconditioned radiator.
6Reconnect the bottom hose and screw in
the drain plug.
7Remove the plug (B) (Fig. 2.2) from the
bleed hole in the heater hose.
8Remove the plug (D) (Fig. 2.3) from the
bleed hole in the expansion tank.
9Pour antifreeze mixture slowly into the filler
neck of the expansion tank until it is seen to
come out of the expansion tank plug hole.
Screw in the plug.
10Add further coolant until it is seen todribble out of the hole in the heater hose.
Screw in the plug.
11Top up the expansion tank to the
specified level and screw on the tank cap.
12Start the engine and run it until the cooling
fan cuts in. Switch off, allow to cool and top
up if necessary to the specified mark on the
expansion tank.
3 Coolant mixtures
1In cold climates, antifreeze is needed for
two reasons. In extreme cases, if the coolant
in the engine freezes solid it could crack the
cylinder block or head. But also in cold
weather, with the circulation restricted by the
thermostat, and any warm water that is
getting to the radiator being at the top, the
bottom of the radiator could freeze, and so
block circulation completely, making the
coolant trapped in the engine boil.
2The antifreeze should be mixed in the
proportions advocated by the makers,
according to the climate. There are two levels
of protection. The first cuts risk of damage, as
the antifreeze goes mushy before freezing.
The second, valid all year round, is the
corrosion protection it offers - see below. The
normal proportion in a temperate climate to
provide maximum protection against freezing
and corrosion is 50% antifreeze and
50% water.
3Use only ethylene glycol based antifreeze
and preferably soft water.
4Antifreeze should be left in through the
summer. It has an important secondary
function, to act as an inhibitor against
corrosion. In the cooling system are many
different metals, in particular the aluminium of
the cylinder head. In contact with the coolant
this sets up electrolytic corrosion,
accentuated by any dirt in the system. This
corrosion can be catastrophically fast.
5After about two years, the effectiveness of
the antifreeze’s inhibitor is used up. It must
then be discarded, and the system refilled
with new coolant.
6In warm climates free from frost, an
2•2 Cooling and heating systems
Fig. 2.3 Plug (D) in expansion tank (Sec 2)Fig. 2.2 Plug (B) in heater hose (Sec 2)
1.5 Expansion tank cap
Fig. 2.1 Cooling system on 903 cc engine (Sec 1)

inhibitor should be used. Again, a reputable
make giving full protection must be chosen
and renewed every two years. Inhibitors with
dyes are useful for finding leaks, and on some
makes the dye shows when the inhibiting
ability is finished.
4 Thermostat-
removal, testing and refitting
1
1The thermostat assembly is mounted on the
flywheel end of the cylinder block.
2Unfortunately, the thermostat/housing is a
complete unit and failure of the thermostat will
necessitate the purchase of the complete
component (photo).
3If the thermostat/housing is removed from
the engine, it can be suspended in water and
the water heated to check out its opening
temperature. Movement of the thermostat
valve can be observed to some extent
through the openings in the housing.
4When refitting, always use a new gasket at
its mounting face (photo).
5 Radiator fan thermostatic
switch- removal, checking
and refitting
1
1Drain the cooling system.
2If the thermostatic switch is being removed
because the fan is not operating and the
switch is suspect, check the fan fuse first,
before removing the switch.3To remove the switch, disconnect the leads
from the terminals and unscrew the switch.
4Connect a test bulb and battery across the
switch terminals and then immerse the
sensing part of the switch in a container of
water. Heat the water and, using a
thermometer, check the temperature of the
water when the bulb lights up, indicating the
switch is functioning. The switch should
operate at approximately 194ºF (90ºC). Allow
the water to cool and check that the switch
cuts out at 185ºF (85ºC). Renew a faulty
switch.
5Refitting of the switch is the reverse of the
removal procedure. Always fit a new O-ring on
the switch.
6 Radiator fan-
removal and refitting
1
1Disconnect the electrical leads from the
radiator fan motor.
2Unbolt the fan mounting struts from the
radiator and lift the complete assembly away.
3Refitting is a reversal of removal.
7 Radiator-
removal and refitting
1
1Drain the cooling system.
2Disconnect the electrical leads from the
radiator fan motor and thermostatic switch.3Disconnect the coolant hoses from the
radiator (photos).
4Release the clips from the top of the
radiator and withdraw the radiator complete
with fan from the engine compartment
(photos).
5The radiator is of combined plastic/metal
construction and any repair should be left to
specialists. In an emergency however, minor
leaks from the radiator may be cured by using
a radiator sealant with the radiator in situ.
6Refitting is a reversal of removal. Fill the
cooling system as described in Section 2.
8 Drivebelt-
tensioning and renewal
1
1The drivebelt for the alternator and coolant
pump is correctly tensioned if it deflects
through 10.0 mm (0.39 in) under moderate
thumb pressure at the mid point of the longest
run of the belt.
2To tighten the belt, release the mounting
and adjuster nuts on the alternator and prise
the alternator away from the engine. Tighten
the nuts when the belt is taut and then
re-check the tension as previously described.
Never over-tension a belt or the coolant pump
or alternator bearings may be damaged.
3Check the condition of the belt at regular
intervals. If frayed or cracked, renew it in the
following way.
4Release the alternator mounting and
adjuster nuts and push the alternator fully in
Cooling and heating systems 2•3
7.3A Radiator top hose4.4 Fitting thermostat housing
(1116 cc engine)4.2 Thermostat housing
7.4B Removing radiator/fan assembly7.4A Radiator fixing clip7.3B Radiator hose to thermostat housing
2

Engine idle speed
At normal operating temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 to 850 rev/min
CO percentage at idle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5 maximum
Torque wrench settingsNm lbf ft
Exhaust manifold nuts (903 cc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 15
Exhaust and intake manifold nuts (1116 cc, 1301 cc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 20
Fuel pump nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 20
Carburettor mounting nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 18
3•4 Fuel system
2.11B Air cleaner mounting bracket and
pipe clip2.11A Air cleaner mounting studs (1116 cc)2.9 Crankcase vent hose at air cleaner
1 Description and
maintenance
1
1The fuel system consists of a rear-mounted
fuel tank, a mechanically-operated fuel pump
and a carburettor and air cleaner.
2On all engines except the 1301 cc a single
venturi downdraught carburettor is fitted. On
the 1301 cc version, a dual barrel carburettor
is fitted.
3Maintenance consists of periodically
checking the condition and security of the fuel
hoses to the pump and carburettor. The fuel
pump cannot be cleaned or repaired and in
the event of a fault developing, the pump
must be renewed.
4On ES versions, an electronic fuel cut-out
device is fitted which reduces fuel
consumption on overrun, see Chapter 9,
Section 33.
2 Air cleaner- servicing,
removal and refitting
1
1The air cleaner air intake draws air either
from the front of the car or from the outside of
the exhaust manifold according to ambient
temperature (photo).
2At an ambient temperature of 13ºC (55ºF)
and above, the SUN symbol should align with
the intake spout arrow head. Remove the
cover nuts and turn the cover.
3At an ambient temperature lower than this,
move the air cleaner cover until the
SNOWFLAKE symbol aligns with the intake
spout arrow head.
4At the intervals specified in “Routine
Maintenance” renew the air cleaner filter
element.
5To do this, remove the cover nuts and take
off the cover (photo).6Take out the filter element and discard it.
Wipe out the air cleaner casing (photo).
7Locate the new element and refit the cover
aligning the appropriate symbols.903 cc engine
8To remove the air cleaner from the 903 cc
engine, unscrew the nuts and take off the
cover. Lift out the filter element.
9Unbolt the air cleaner casing from the
carburettor flange and from the bracket on the
rocker cover. Disconnect the vent hose
(photo).
10Disconnect the warm and cool air intake
hoses from their collecting points and lift the
air cleaner from the engine.
1116 cc and 1301 cc engines
11Removing the air cleaner from the 1116 cc
engine is similar to that described for the
903 cc engine, but having a cylinder head
support bracket (photos).
2.6 Removing air cleaner element
2.5 Air cleaner cover2.1 Air cleaner hot air intake

Spark plugs
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion RN9YCC or RN9YC
Electrode gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.8 mm (0.031 in)
HT leads
903 cc (45) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion LS-07
1116, 1299 and 1301 cc (55, 60 and 70) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion LS-05
Torque wrench settingNm lbf ft
Spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 18
4•2 Ignition system
1 General description
On all models except the 903 ES engine
version, a mechanical contact breaker type
distributor is fitted.
On 45 Super ES models which have the
903 ES engine, an electronic (Digiplex) ignition
system is used which incorporates a
breakerless distributor.
Mechanical contact breaker
system
For the engine to run correctly, it is
necessary for an electrical spark to ignite the
fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber at
exactly the right moment in relation to engine
speed and load. The ignition system is based
on feeding low tension voltage from the
battery to the coil where it is converted to high
tension voltage. The high tension voltage is
powerful enough to jump the spark plug gap
in the cylinders under high compression
pressures, providing that the system is in
good condition and that all adjustments are
correct.
The ignition system is divided into two
circuits, the low tension (LT) circuit and the
high tension (HT) circuit.
The low tension (sometimes known as the
primary) circuit consists of the battery, the
lead to the ignition switch, the lead from the
ignition switch to the low tension or primary
coil windings, and the lead from the low
tension coil windings to the contact breaker
points and condenser in the distributor.
The high tension circuit consists of the high
tension or secondary coil windings, the heavy
ignition lead from the centre of the coil to the
centre of the distributor cap, the rotor arm,
and the spark plug leads and spark plugs.
The system functions in the following
manner: High tension voltage is generated in
the coil by the interruption of the low tension
circuit. The interruption is effected by the
opening of the contact breaker points in this
low tension circuit. High tension voltage is fed
from the centre of the coil via the carbon
brush in the centre of the distributor cap to
the rotor arm of the distributor.
The rotor arm revolves at half engine speed
inside the distributor cap, and each time it
comes in line with one of the four metal
segments in the cap, which are connected to
the spark plug leads, the opening of thecontact breaker points causes the high
tension voltage to build up, jump the gap from
the rotor arm to the appropriate metal
segment, and so via the spark plug lead to the
spark plug, where it finally jumps the spark
plug gap before going to earth.
The ignition timing is advanced and
retarded automatically, to ensure the sparkoccurs at just the right instant for the
particular load at the prevailing engine speed.
The ignition advance is controlled
mechanically, and by vacuum. The
mechanical governor mechanism consists of
two weights, which move out from the
distributor shaft as the engine speed rises,
due to centrifugal force. As they move
Fig. 4.1 Typical ignition circuit (mechanical contact breaker distributor) (Sec 1)
1 Control unit
2 Multi-plug
3 Ignition coil
4 Distributor cap5 Crankshaft pulley
6 Flywheel
7 Battery
8 Rev counter9 Spark plugs
10 Wiring connector
S1 Engine speed sensor
S2 TDC sensor
Fig. 4.2 Digiplex electronic ignition system (Sec 1)