Engine Maintenance and Modification Bradley Artigue

FIAT 124 Spider
Engine Maintenance + Modification
Adjust, if necessary, by using the procedure described in the shop manual. Good valve
lash is essential for engine performance.
10.1.3 Fluids
Coolant: Inspect the cooling system hoses for any cracks or hardness. If the age of the
hoses is unknown or the condition questionable then replace them all. Replace the
thermostat at the same time unless you are certain it is operating properly. Make sure
and check the heater hoses to and from the cylinder head and, on the fuel injected and
water choke carbureted vehicles, the small hoses running from the intake manifold and
heater pipe to the carburetor/fuel injector plenum. Fill the system with the appropriate
mixture of coolant and distilled water.
Keep in mind that the FIAT cooling system is particular about how it is filled. There are
two popular procedures that you can do in your garage. Open your heater valve prior to
performing either method:
• The first is to place the front of the car on ramps or jacks and get the level of the
radiator cap higher than the back of the cylinder head heater hoses (in the back of
the head is a black hose that runs up near the #4 plug and then behind the head). Fill
the system from the radiator.
• The second method is (in your author’s opinion) the most effective. Using a flushand-fill
kit (such as the Prestone Flush and Fill Kit) install the filler “T” in the cylinder
head heater hose. With the radiator cap off fill the system until water comes out of
the radiator. Install the radiator cap. Now loosen the brass cap at the radiator hose
intersection in front of the head and fill until coolant flows from this point. Tighten
and finally top off to the “T”.
Oil: Your FIAT was designed to use a FIAT branded oil called Oliofiat. Oliofiat VS+ 15W-
40 was the typical specification for the Spider. The oil carried an API rating of "SE",
which at the time was the highest rating for automobile and light truck use. The current
rating is "SJ" and any oil in the SAE 10W-30, 10W-40 or 20W-50 viscosity range that
carries the current "SJ" service rating will suffice.
Gasoline: If your gasoline is old or questionable then siphon your tank to empty and fill
with the highest octane you can purchase from a gas station. Do not use fuel additives.
10.1.4 Filters
Replace the air cleaner filter if it is dirty. On carbureted vehicles replace the fuel filter
with a glass type having a replaceable element. On fuel injected vehicles replace the
fuel filter with a new Bosch filter.
If you suspect any kind of fuel flow problem remove the fuel tank sending unit and
inspect the mesh screen filter inside the tank. There is also a small filter on carbureted
engines located inside a large brass nut on the fuel intake assembly of the carburetor
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