🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Polaris

Model:

Colt 55

Years Covered:

1972-1977

Chassis Code:

Not Specified

Engine Code:

Not Specified

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

A crucial resource for owners and mechanics maintaining classic Polaris Colt 55 vehicles, offering in-depth technical guidance for a niche market.

Analysis:

This manual serves as a primary technical resource, essential for owners and independent repair shops that focus on vintage recreational vehicles. It provides the authoritative information needed to keep these machines operational, unlike generic online forums or incomplete user guides.

Features:

Detailed diagrams, step-by-step repair procedures, comprehensive specifications, and parts identification.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Workshop Repair and Service

Secondary Coverage:

Parts and Accessories Reference

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Drivetrain:

Engine overhaul, component repair, timing, ignition, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system, clutch, transmission, drive shafts, differentials.

Electrical System:

Chassis wiring harness, main wiring harness, electrical component testing and repair, lighting circuits, ignition system wiring, battery, starter, alternator.

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components, brake pads, brake discs, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake, bleeding procedures.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, steering gear diagnosis and repair, steering column, tie rods.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk/cargo area, frame inspection.

Interior Exterior:

Covers interior components like floor mats, consoles, organizers, and exterior parts such as bumpers, fenders, doors, hood, and fuel system access. Also covers lighting components (bulbs, driving lights, etc.) and wheel components (lugs, lug nuts, hub caps).

Exhaust System:

Details on headers, catalytic converters (if applicable for the specific market/model year, though less common on early ATVs), and general exhaust system components.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, lubrication schedules, tire rotation.

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair, exhaust system repair, cooling system repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common symptoms and issues across all vehicle systems.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, clearances, timing settings, electrical resistance values.

Tool Maintenance:

Includes procedures like torque specs, tire replacement, flat repair, and timing belt replacement, indicating a focus on hands-on maintenance and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete component overhauls and troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, likely with searchable text for ease of use.

Searchability:

Likely includes searchable text, allowing users to quickly find specific topics or components.

Printable:

Designed to be printable for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Likely a 2-stroke or 4-stroke internal combustion engine, specific details not provided in product description. Common for this era of Polaris ATVs would be single or twin-cylinder configurations.

Horsepower Torque:

Specific horsepower and torque figures are not detailed in the product description but would be available within the manual.

Components:

Carburetor(s), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines. The manual would detail their function, maintenance, and repair.

Engine Configuration:

Likely air-cooled, single-cylinder engines for many variants of this era, though liquid-cooled options were also emerging. The manual would specify the exact configuration.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Likely a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a manual gearbox, common for ATVs of this period. Specific details are within the manual.

Options:

Not specified.

Features:

Details on clutch operation, gear selection, and drive system maintenance would be covered.

📐 Dimensions

Dimensions:

Specific exterior dimensions are not listed in the product description but are crucial data points typically found in a comprehensive service manual.

Interior Space:

Focuses on mechanical systems rather than interior cabin dimensions.

Cargo Capacity:

The product listing mentions cargo liners, suggesting cargo carrying capability, but specific capacities are not provided.

Curb Weight:

Specific curb weight figures are not detailed in the product description but would be covered in the manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not applicable for this type of vehicle and era; safety features would be described rather than rated.

Active Safety:

Brake system performance, steering control, and suspension stability are the primary active safety elements covered.

Passive Safety:

Body structure integrity, seating, and potential for accessory safety equipment (e.g., handguards).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Not applicable. Vehicles of this era and type did not feature infotainment systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

Not applicable. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) would be present.

Connectivity Options:

Not applicable. No electronic connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Intervals:

The manual will provide detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, and other routine maintenance tasks, tailored to usage conditions.

Engine Oil:

Specific oil viscosity grades (e.g., SAE 10W-30, SAE 20W-50) and API service classifications will be listed. For 2-stroke engines, the correct oil-fuel mixture ratio would be specified.

Coolant:

Type of coolant (e.g., ethylene glycol-based) and appropriate mixture ratios with distilled water will be detailed.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid specifications would be typical.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific gear oil or automatic transmission fluid (ATF) specifications, if applicable.

Gearbox Oil:

If equipped with a separate gearbox, specific gear oil viscosity and API ratings would be detailed.

Common Problems:

While not explicitly listed, common issues for ATVs of this era might include carburetor gumming, electrical connector corrosion, brake system wear, and suspension component deterioration. The manual would provide diagnostic steps for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Polaris has a long history of manufacturing recreational vehicles, including snowmobiles and ATVs. The Colt 55 represents an early iteration of their ATV product line.

Evolution:

The Colt 55 was part of Polaris's initial efforts to establish a presence in the growing ATV market during the 1970s. Models within this range likely saw incremental improvements and variations over the production years.

Production Years:

1972-1977

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

Specific awards for the Colt 55 model are not readily available, but Polaris as a brand has been recognized for its innovation in the powersports industry.

Consumer Ratings:

Consumer ratings from the 1970s are not systematically archived in a modern context, but historical reviews would likely focus on utility and durability for its time.

Certifications:

No specific certifications are listed, as typical for recreational vehicles of this period.