Classic Fiat Spider Maintenance
Preventative maintenance, oil changes, and tune-ups are all part of keeping your classic Fiat Spider running as good as it should!
Engine Oil
Although the Spider engine is dual overhead cam, it's not a modern engine. It needs more zinc and phosphorous than modern car engines do, and those two ingredients have been long removed from most engine oils.
Best Oil For Classic Cars
There are several excellent brands of oil recommended for older cars. One of my favorites is Castrol GTX Classic 20W50, which is formulated with high-quality mineral oils, plus selected additives for older engines.
Oil Change Interval
For 1971 through 1978 Fiat 124 Spiders, recommended interval for engine oil and filter is every 6,000 miles.
On 1979 and up Fiat 2000's, oil change interval is 3,750 miles for turbocharged engines, and 7,500 miles for non-turbo engines.
Engine Oil Capacity
Through 1974, engine oil refill capacity is 4 quarts (3.75L). From 1975 on, oil capacity is 4-1/2 quarts (4.125L).
Oil Filter
Of all the dozens of brands out there, Wix is always top-rated. Recommended for 1966 through 1983 models, Wix 51189 fits 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L Fiat engines.
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Fuel Filter
On carbureted motors, the gas filter should be changed every 15,000 miles. Any 1/4" in-line filter will work. Make sure the fuel flow follows the arrow direction on filter!
NOTE: There is no replaceable fuel filter on fuel-injected models.
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Air Filter Replacement
On 1971 through 1978 models, air filter should be changed every 15,000 miles. On 1979 and later models, air filter should be cleaned and inspected every 15,000 miles, and changed every 30,000 miles.
Air Filter Removal
To remove the air filter on carbureted engines, remove the cover nuts and lift off the cover.
To remove air filter on fuel-injected engines, pry back the cover clips and lift off the cover.
Air Filter Cleaning
When held up to a bright light, you should be able to see light through it. If you can't shake out or blow out the dirt and dust from the old air filter, replace it.
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Engine Tune-Up
A tune-up generally includes replacing the spark plugs, checking/replacing cap, rotor and wires, and checking/resetting the points.
Spark Plugs
Early models (1966-1973) call for Champion N6Y in the service manual, which are non-resistor and hard to find. Many owners substitute Champion RN9YC (resistor) or NGK BP6ES (non-resistor) as these are readily available.
For 1974 through 1977 years, Champion N7Y (non-resistor) is called for, and can be substituted with RN7YC (resistor). Many owners run the hotter RN9YC plugs.
Spark plug gap for 1966-1977 models is 0.020 to 0.027".
On 1978 and up models that have electronic ignition, the recommended spark plugs were Champion RN9Y, which supercede to RN9YC.
NGK BPR6ES is a suitable replacement.
For 1978-up models, spark plug gap is 0.027 to 0.031".
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Points Ignition
When in proper working order, a points ignition system works very well and should give 10,000 to 15,000 miles of service. For a classic car that gets driven less than 2,000 miles a year, that's a pretty trouble-free system. Still, some owners choose to convert to electronic ignition system.
Read: Points vs Electronic Ignition
Points Gap
On early models (1966-1974) with single points ignition, gap is 037mm - 043mm (0.015 to 0.017").
On vehicles with dual points (1975-1978), the primary points should be set to 037 - 043mm (0.015 to 0.017"). The secondary points are to be set to 031 - 039mm (0.012 to 0.019").
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Engine Coolant
Any problems with a cooling system can cause overheating, which could result in engine damage. The most common problem is lack of coolant, usually caused by a slow leak. Since leaks are more common in old car engines, it's important to check coolant level occasionally and top off if needed.
Recommended coolant for classic Fiats is ethylene glycol, which is the old green stuff. The entire system takes about two gallons, and a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/water is best.
CAUTION: Never remove a radiator cap when engine is hot. Engine coolant is under pressure!
Transmission and Differential
If you don't know if or when the transmission and axle fluids were replaced, it makes good sense to replace them.
The transmission holds about 2 quarts of 90 weight GL1, which is mineral-based and hard to find.
The rear axle calls for 80W90 EP gear oil.
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Under-Hood Rubber
Engine compartments can get very hot, which causes rubber hoses to get hard and brittle, and that leads to cracks and leaks. If radiator hoses or heater hoses show any signs of cracking, replace them before they become a problem.
Drive belts should be inspected for cracks and damage.
Emission Hoses
Old vacuum hoses are a major source of air leaks, which contribute to a rough-running engine. Unfortunately, mid-seventies Spiders have plenty of these!
If the car is new to you, and you don't know how old those hoses are, it's best to replace each and every one. At a minimum, it will give you peace of mind, and it might even give you a better running car!
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Timing Belt Replacement Interval
Early 124 Spiders (and Coupes) had interference engines. Around 1979-1980, 2.0 litre engines saw a slight re-design and became non-interference.
On 1971 through 1978 models, recommended timing belt replacement is every 25,000 miles.
On 1979 and up models, recommended timing belt replacement is every 30,000 miles.
Read: Fiat 2.0L Timing Belt Replacement
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Engine Specs
Valve Clearance - Valve lash is to be checked and adjusted on a cold engine.
Intake: 043 - 048mm (0.017 to 0.019")
Exhaust: 048 - 053mm (0.019 to 0.021")
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2 clockwise
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Tire Maintenance
Spraying shiny dressing compounds on your sidewalls is not recommended by tire manufacturers. Many tire and wheel cleaners contain harsh acids, alkalis, and/or detergents that can actually damage wheels and paint.
Cleaning car tires is best done with non-petroleum based products like Chemical Guys VRP protectant.
Tire rotation helps extend the life of your tires, and tire manufacturers recommend rotating every six to eight thousand miles. However, in a classic car's life, that could be three or four years!
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Notes and Misc
Fiat vehicles were built with metric hardware. Along with basic hand tools, frequently-used wrench and socket sizes are 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm.
FIAT Acronym: "Fling It Around Turns"
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