Technical Fiat Seicento Schumacher

[Fiat6Cento]

Hi everyone!

I have been lurking around for some time and I have finally decided to join as it seems a nice place to be, lots of Fiat loving people...which is nice!

I have owned/used a few Fiat cars in the past and a few weeks back I managed to put my hands on a Fiat Seicento Sporting Michael Schumacher (broom yellow) Y Reg but I have got a few questions I hope you can answer.

1) The battery was dead after a week of buying the car, drove fine for a bit but then I left it on the drive for 5 days, went back to it and it wouldn't start. Is it possible to install a better, more "performing" battery? Any advice on make and model? I have cleaned the one in it (it had some green, fluffy stuff on) and I am recharging it at the moment.

2) The previous owner installed a stereo and a set of rear speakers himself, can this be the cause of the battery going flat, being drained by a bad connection?!

3) I can hear some noise coming from the back when I go over speed bumps or pot holes, ideas?

4) The front wipers work but they either stay on full blast (last position pushing down) or they don't work on the other positions and if I try to use the one-touch (pushing up) they stop wherever they like

5) Found out that the tank needs replacing, it's rusted away! Called Fiat they want £363! What is the correct part number for the tank in a Seicento Schumacher so I can try and get it cheaper somewhere else? Ideas where from?

6) I can see some and rust and oil on the sump! ARGH!

7) The brake pedal...when I first start the car and I put my foot on the brake pedal it makes a small clunk noise then it's ok when driving, it does this everytime the car is started, any ideas?

8) I solved the sunroof leaking water by searching the forum! Brilliant! Thank you very much! I got myself a second hand one and replaced it, the original had a rusty rim.

9) What kind of modifications can I do without going mad and being too technical (like replacing the engine or adding a turbo) and without increasing the insurance premium too much!

10) Are the side mirrors supposed to be yellow (same colour as the body with a black bit on them) on a Schumacher?

11) The lock on the boot doesn't work with the key...D'OH!

Phew! Thank you very much.

 

[ycming]

Am impressed with the understanding of your own car . Even more impressed if this is your first car! So i'll try my best to help

1) For battery issues, if the battery is left it could be normal it goes flat if you do alot of short trip. Really get a multimeter check the voltage with the car off (should read around 12.5v) andf with the car on should read (between 13.5 to 14.5v)

2) Not sure about this one, but if there is a drain the above test will tell you.

3) This is common on the cinq, change the gearbox mount and rear trail arm bushes, that should fix all noises from the rear

4) Think someone had a similar issues and rallycinq said you are missing a perminant live, so you need to remove the firewall carpets at the front and inpsect all connections to the wiper motor (is located at the passenger side behind the carpets)

5) Phone fluffy or big mick on 01332257402. Good prices and ensure correct fitment

6) Inspect the cam cover gasket, as that is a common place for leaks which will go all the way down to the sump. Then look at O ring behind the coil packs then cam shaft oil seal

7) Look under the pedal there is a bit of rubber it rubs on grease that up but nothing to worry about

8) well done mate

9) Depending on your age mod will cost alot, suspension, brakes, induction kit are all at a reasonable price to buy.

10) think it should be colour coded

11) not sure about this one, are you sure it is the right boot lock for the key u got?

Now post some pics of the car

thanks
Ming

 

[AppleSei]

Number 10 is correct, it is meant to have the black rubber bit

 

[andy3030]

the noise could b anything could even be the spare wheel if it hasent been fasten properly

and for number 11 probably not the right key but its best not to open the boot with the key unless you have more than one or the doors are open its really embrrsing to call out the rac because you`ve locked the keys in the boot

ycming has pretty much nailed the rest i wouldn't say anything different to him doubt any one else will to be honest

 

[Fiat6Cento]

ycming

>>Am impressed with the understanding of your own car . Even more impressed if this is your first car! So i'll try my best to help

Thank you very much for the answers...this is my first Seicento, I have had other Fiats in the past (128, 131, Panda, 126, 127 Sport...), I especially loved the 127 Sport, 128 and 131

>>1) For battery issues, if the battery is left it could be normal it goes flat if you do alot of short trip. Really get a multimeter check the voltage with the car off (should read around 12.5v) andf with the car on should read (between 13.5 to 14.5v)

I will check the voltages, thanks for the suggestion and yes I do short trips, it just that it never happened with my '94 Panda Fizz, same kind of short trips...maybe the battery is on its way out?!

>>4) Think someone had a similar issues and rallycinq said you are missing a perminant live, so you need to remove the firewall carpets at the front and inpsect all connections to the wiper motor (is located at the passenger side behind the carpets)

How do I access the wiper motor? From inside (passenger side) or from inside the bonnet?

>>6) Inspect the cam cover gasket, as that is a common place for leaks which will go all the way down to the sump. Then look at O ring behind the coil packs then cam shaft oil seal

You've got me there! Erm...where are all those things situated?! I am a bit of a newbie regarding this stuff...sorry...and are they easy/expensive to replace?

>>7) Look under the pedal there is a bit of rubber it rubs on grease that up but nothing to worry about

Nice one...something easy to fix!


>>9) Depending on your age mod will cost alot, suspension, brakes, induction kit are all at a reasonable price to buy.

I am not that young anymore so what shall I look at first? I read induction kit, what does this give you in performance terms and does it need to be coupled with something else? Are they easy to install yourself? Brakes and brake pads, what type?
I would be interested to know if anyone has modified the Seicento Sporting lightly without going nuts! And what they have used (parts and make) and maybe try and do it myself.

>>10) think it should be colour coded

Ah...because mine are all black...mmmh...

>>11) not sure about this one, are you sure it is the right boot lock for the key u got?

Well the guy gave me two blue keys and they both work on the doors but not on the boot, it just won't turn...

>>Now post some pics of the car

I will as soon as it has finished dripping petrol on the drive!
I have found a tank for the Seicento on ebay, it says it is suitable for Seicento 900, 1.1, SPorting from '98 to 2003 and "This item is equivalent to OEM part number 46511894" so I presume that is the original Fiat part number?! I really need to get one as my full tank is getting empty!

@AppleSei and Andy3030

Thanks for the replies, yes I thought the wing mirrors were supposed to be yellow with the black bit, but mine are all black...I have checked the spare wheel and it's fastened properly...could the banging noise come from the rear suspensions?

Thanks for your help!

 

[ycming]

Ah for front window wiper, go from the bonnet, is really easy get once the carpet is off .

O-ring you will see that once you take the coil pack casing off.

Cam-shaft oil-seal, this is a bit diffcult you need remove the cam pulley then is a rubber ring.

Both really cheap, but takes time to get to it . But if the timing belt history is unknown then is good time to change the belt too!

Ming

 

[Fiat6Cento]

Thanks ycming, lots of useful information there, I'll have a play at the week end, hopefully I'll get somewhere without damaging anything

 

[ycming]

Looking at your past fiat history, am sure you will be fine .

I think is the cam cover gasket that is causing the leak, change that and take it from there .

Mod wise, i think changing the engine to a 1242 is the best mod IMO.

Ming

 

[andy3030]

the banging probably is from the suspension mine bangs to but i had it on a ramp yesterday i was fixing up her brakes for mot tomorrow i cant see anythink wrong with mine dident really look properly though but you should check the condition of ann the rudder things on the suuspention i forget what there called (grate machanic ill make ) but if there badly cracked or worn get new ones but it litraly could be anything sumet in the boot spare tyre the jack or wheel tool i doubt its anythink to worrie bout to be honest

 

[AppleSei]

if mirrors are wrong get some from a scrappers, dont look for ones from a schumacher get them from any model from sporting upwards they are all the same and sportings more likely to be in scappers than schumis

 

[Pep0]

hi

The noise from the back is most likely the metal elastic bushes in the swing arms. You wont see anything wrong on the car and they will get MoTs as well.

But they will be well shot when you get the arm off.

See the guides for DIY, most people upgrade the bushes with plastic rather then use OEM, pig of a job.

Check the current the car is taking with every thing off and doors shut a relay might have gone. the ECU should only take a little.

Noel

 

[Fiat6Cento]

Looking at your past fiat history, am sure you will be fine .

I think is the cam cover gasket that is causing the leak, change that and take it from there .

Mod wise, i think changing the engine to a 1242 is the best mod IMO.

Ming

Oh I forgot the two Fiat Puntos I had, how could I?!
I still need to know the part number for the petrol tank otherwise this baby is going nowhere and it needs to be driven!

Changing the engine is not an option for now I would like some light modding I can do myself without increasing the insurance too much

So:
stainless steel exhaust? (best one for this car?)
induction kit? (best one?)
Sparkplugs?
Air and oil filter?
Brakes? The rear are drum the front discs? Disc pads?

Any adice would be appreciated thanks!

 

[Fiat6Cento]

the banging probably is from the suspension mine bangs to but i had it on a ramp yesterday i was fixing up her brakes for mot tomorrow i cant see anythink wrong with mine dident really look properly though but you should check the condition of ann the rudder things on the suuspention i forget what there called (grate machanic ill make ) but if there badly cracked or worn get new ones but it litraly could be anything sumet in the boot spare tyre the jack or wheel tool i doubt its anythink to worrie bout to be honest

You are right, left the car with my local mechanic, he's had a look at it and he says the tank definately needs replacing, the knocking sound comes from the rear suspensions which look "tired", sump needs replacing and a good service needs to be done too...this is going to hurt!

 

[Fiat6Cento]

hi

The noise from the back is most likely the metal elastic bushes in the swing arms. You wont see anything wrong on the car and they will get MoTs as well.

But they will be well shot when you get the arm off.

See the guides for DIY, most people upgrade the bushes with plastic rather then use OEM, pig of a job.

Check the current the car is taking with every thing off and doors shut a relay might have gone. the ECU should only take a little.

Noel

Thanks Noel, I will leave the suspension bit for the mechanic to sort out...I don't think I'd be able to do that...it might be time to invest in a multimeter...

Back to the tank!

Found this:

Will it work in the 600 Schumy?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Fiat-Seicento-0-9-1-1-Sporting-98-03-petrol-tank-/310241352250?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item483bd35a3a

Please let me know I want my car back!

 

[AppleSei]

yes it will work but dont forget to try for a free replacement under the recall

 

[Fiat6Cento]

yes it will work but dont forget to try for a free replacement under the recall

I called Fiat they told me that it doesn't apply to my car being 9 years old...checked the VOSA site and my chassis number isn't listed

I bet it had the same prone-to-rust tank as all the others being recalled but they don't want to know...I'll have to bite the bullet...

Forgot to ask, that tank on ebay...is it that all I need or does it need to be sprayed, a cover etc...or it just goes under the car like that?

Thanks!

 

[AppleSei]

If you have been refused fair enough

It couldve been damaged or anything so a bit unfair to criticise at this stage - for a kickoff the recall was sorted out in 1999 but for peace of mind changed everyone if they so wished you are 2 years too late with your chassis and it has been nearly 10 years since it is meant to be have been sorted out and 6 years since a sei was last sold new so can understand why they would now want to kick their heels

However you will know for sure when you take it out why it leaked, if its leaking at the seams then its possible it could be an effected tank although i had a sei the same age as yours and the tank on that never leaked in 2+ years of ownership

yeah they go in like that

 

[Fiat6Cento]

If you have been refused fair enough

It couldve been damaged or anything so a bit unfair to criticise at this stage - for a kickoff the recall was sorted out in 1999 but for peace of mind changed everyone if they so wished you are 2 years too late with your chassis and it has been nearly 10 years since it is meant to be have been sorted out and 6 years since a sei was last sold new so can understand why they would now want to kick their heels

However you will know for sure when you take it out why it leaked, if its leaking at the seams then its possible it could be an effected tank although i had a sei the same age as yours and the tank on that never leaked in 2+ years of ownership

yeah they go in like that

I know what you mean...
The mechanic called and said that it has rusted in one part (bottom right corner) but the fuel is leaking from the sides (seams?!) so as long as the ebay tank fits I am not too worried, I just need to order it now, can't wait to sit my 'cento again!

 

[Fiat6Cento]

A quick update:

Got my Seicento Schumy back! Finally! :slayer:

The tank has been replaced so there is no spillage of petrol anymore...happy about that.

The battery has been put on charge but it will need replacing. Any advice? Apparently they are difficult to find and costly, I am thinking if I have to replace it can I put a better one in (performance wise/uprated battery if there is such thing?!)

The knocking noise in the back is to do with the rear suspensions, are these standard ones or do I look for specific Schumy ones (Sporting?!)

Front discs and pads need replacing, any yummy performance ones to look for?

Oh and the sump is rusting away so that needs replacing...

Thank you!

I am so glad it's back...nice!:yum:

 

[ycming]

Can get them on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fiat-Cinquece...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27afdd299c

Ming