Target Audience:
Owners of 1978 Polaris Cobra snowmobiles seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs themselves, saving time and money on professional servicing.
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level technical knowledge, enabling owners to maintain their vintage snowmobile with confidence and expertise.
Ease Of Use:
Easy-to-read text and clear illustrations facilitate understanding for users of varying technical backgrounds.
Completeness:
Covers every nut and bolt, offering a complete guide to the vehicle's systems and components.
Accessibility:
Downloadable PDF format provides immediate access to repair information.
Engine:
Complete maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for the engine, including carburetion, ignition, cooling, and lubrication systems.
Transmission:
Detailed instructions for clutch inspection, adjustment, and replacement, along with chain case maintenance and potential repair procedures.
Suspension:
Guidance on front and rear suspension component inspection, lubrication, and repair, including shock absorbers and track systems.
Steering:
Procedures for steering column, handlebar, and tie rod maintenance and adjustment.
Braking:
Information on brake system inspection, adjustment, fluid replacement, and caliper/lever service.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for lighting, ignition, and other electrical components.
Bodywork:
Procedures for seat removal, fairing, and tunnel maintenance and repair.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, track tension adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and common problem identification for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, clutch service, carburetor overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement.
Adjustments:
Carburetor jetting, ignition timing, brake lever free play, throttle cable adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complex internal engine and drivetrain repairs, suitable for both novice and experienced mechanics.
Illustrations:
Numerous detailed illustrations and diagrams to guide users through procedures.
Searchability:
Searchable PDF format allowing quick access to specific information.
Printability:
Allows printing of specific pages as needed for workshop use.
Engine Type:
Likely a 2-stroke, liquid-cooled or fan-cooled twin-cylinder engine based on Polaris models of this era (specific model engine details would be within the manual).
Displacement:
Not specified in product info, but likely in the 250cc to 440cc range typical for this model. Manual would contain exact specifications.
Horsepower:
Not specified in product info. Manual would detail power output for specific engine configurations.
Torque:
Not specified in product info. Manual would detail torque figures.
Carburetion:
Typically dual Mikuni or Keihin carburetors for this model year. Manual provides detailed specifications and adjustment procedures.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, mixed with appropriate 2-stroke oil. Manual will specify oil/fuel ratio.
Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) or breaker points. Manual will specify the exact system and provide timing specifications.
Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) utilizing a primary (drive) clutch and a secondary (driven) clutch, connected via a drive belt. Manual covers clutch service and belt replacement.
Optional Transmissions:
N/A for this model/year, standard CVT.
Gear Reduction:
Chain case with gear reduction. Manual details maintenance and fluid specifications for the chain case.
Safety Standards:
Vintage snowmobiles from 1978 were not subject to modern safety rating systems. Manual focuses on mechanical safety and proper operation.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake or drum brake depending on specific Cobra variant. Manual details operation and maintenance.
Track System:
Suspended track system for traction and ride comfort. Manual covers track maintenance and adjustment.
Throttle Limiter:
Manual would cover any factory-installed throttle limiting mechanisms for safe operation.
Lubrication:
Frequent lubrication of suspension, steering, and drive components is critical. Manual provides specific grease points and intervals.
Clutch Maintenance:
Regular inspection and cleaning of primary and secondary clutches. Belt inspection for wear and tension adjustment at specified intervals (detailed in manual).
Engine Service:
Spark plug replacement, air filter service, and carburetor cleaning/adjustment as per usage. Manual provides recommended intervals.
2 Stroke Oil:
Specific Polaris 2-stroke oil or equivalent meeting JASO FD or ISO-L-EGD standards. Manual will specify exact type and ratio.
Chain Case Oil:
Gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90). Manual will specify the exact type and capacity.
Clutch Wear:
Common for vintage snowmobiles; manual provides inspection and replacement procedures for worn clutch components and belts.
Carburetor Fouling:
Can occur due to fuel quality or contamination; manual details cleaning and jetting procedures.
Track Tension:
Improper track tension can lead to premature wear; manual provides correct adjustment procedures.
Polarise Heritage:
Polaris is a long-standing American manufacturer renowned for its innovation in snowmobiles since the 1950s.
Cobra Series:
The Cobra was a popular model in Polaris's lineup during the late 1970s, known for its performance and reliability within its class.
Production Era:
Produced in the late 1970s, representing a significant period of development in snowmobile technology.
