Target Audience:
Polaris Charger owners with basic mechanical skills, independent auto service professionals, and automotive enthusiasts.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving significant costs compared to dealer service.
Advantage:
Vehicle-specific, factory-level information providing accuracy and detail beyond generic guides.
Content Accuracy:
Written by manufacturers, ensuring precise procedures and specifications.
Ease Of Use:
Clear, concise text combined with illustrations and diagrams for easy comprehension.
Completeness:
No missing or corrupt parts/pages; covers all major topics.
Informational Value:
Enables owners to be better informed and communicate effectively with technicians.
Engine Mechanical:
Comprehensive (diagnosis, overhaul, tune-up, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, emission controls for the era)
Engine Electrical:
Complete (ignition system, starting system, charging system, sensors, wiring schematics)
Transmission Manual:
Detailed (operation, diagnosis, overhaul, fluid specifications)
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed (operation, diagnosis, overhaul, fluid specifications, linkage adjustment)
Drivetrain:
Comprehensive (driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle, differential, bearings)
Suspension And Steering:
Complete (front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, steering gear, power steering system)
Brakes:
Comprehensive (front and rear brake systems, hydraulic circuits, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake pads/shoes, drums/rotors, parking brake)
Electrical System:
Extensive (battery, starter, alternator, voltage regulator, lighting systems, gauges, horn, wiring diagrams)
Fuel System:
Detailed (fuel tank, fuel pump, carburetor(s), fuel lines, vapor emission controls for the era)
Cooling System:
Complete (radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications)
Exhaust System:
Information on removal, installation, and component identification
Body And Frame:
Coverage for panel removal/installation, structural components, doors, windows, trim
HVAC:
Likely includes heater core, blower motor, and ventilation system service
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, lubrication points, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trees, common problem identification, symptom-based solutions
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation
Diagnosis:
Methods for identifying the root cause of malfunctions
Wiring Schematics:
Detailed electrical diagrams for all vehicle systems
Alignment Specifications:
Front and rear wheel alignment angles (caster, camber, toe) and steering axis inclination
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Tools:
Implies use of standard mechanic's tools, though specific diagnostic equipment may be mentioned for certain tasks.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams and illustrations are explicitly stated as included to aid in repair and understanding.
Engine Options 1972 1973:
Specific engine options not listed in product description. However, Polaris offered inline 4-cylinder and inline 6-cylinder engines in their passenger cars of this era. Common displacements for American cars of the early 70s included 200ci, 230ci, 250ci for 6-cylinders, and 302ci, 350ci for V8s, though Polaris models were typically inline configurations.
Horsepower Torque:
Details of specific horsepower and torque figures are not provided in the product description but will be present in the manual for each available engine variant.
Carburetor Type:
Likely Rochester, Carter, or Holley downdraft or side-draft carburetors, depending on engine and market. Manual will specify exact models and tuning procedures.
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline (as per 1972-1973 standards)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (typical for the era), specific mixture ratio will be in the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months for vehicles of this era, depending on driving conditions. Manual will provide precise interval and oil type.
Tune Up Interval:
Scheduled tune-ups involving spark plugs, points, condenser, and carburetor adjustment would be recommended at 10,000-15,000 mile intervals. Manual will detail specific procedures.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Likely SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for general use, possibly SAE 30 for very hot climates. Manual will specify the exact API service classification and viscosity.
Coolant Capacity:
Capacity will vary by engine and radiator size, but typically in the 12-16 quart range. Manual will provide precise capacity.
Common Wear Items:
Typical for vehicles of this age: wear in suspension bushings, aging rubber hoses and seals, potential carburetor gumming, points and condenser wear, starter and alternator fatigue. Manual will address diagnostics for these.
Filter Part Numbers:
Manual will list recommended part numbers for oil filters, air filters, fuel filters, and other common service items.
Polaris Automotive Division:
Polaris, primarily known for snowmobiles and ATVs, had a brief foray into the automotive market in the late 1960s and early 1970s, often utilizing components from larger American manufacturers or producing vehicles with unique styling and engineering.
Chargers Context:
The 'Charger' nameplate was popular in the American automotive market during this period, often signifying a sportier or performance-oriented model. However, details of the Polaris Charger's specific positioning are scarce.
Production Period:
1972-1973 model years are explicitly covered by the manual, indicating this was the primary production span for this iteration of the Charger.