Autodata’s Technical Team share their fixes to common problems raised through Autodata’s technical helpline, available to all UK customers.
Engine oil leak from front of the engine on a Fiat 500?
FAULT:
A Fiat 500 we regularly service has developed an engine oil leak from the front of the engine. The vehicle is a 2010 model and has the 0.9 TwinAir engine. We cleaned off the engine oil and road tested the vehicle to see where the engine oil originated from, but we can’t find the source of the leak.
FIX:
We have had reports of engine oil leaks on several Fiat models with the 0.9 TwinAir engine produced up to 03/12. The oil leak is between the timing chain cover and the cylinder block, and is due to insufficient quantity of sealant. Remove the timing chain cover and thoroughly clean all the mating surfaces. Next, apply a bead of silicone sealant to the mating surface of the cylinder block (Fig 1). Ensure there is sufficient sealant at the joint between the cylinder block and the cylinder head. Finally, refit the timing chain cover and ensure it is tightened to the correct torque setting.
