🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

FSO

Model:

Polonez

Year:

1989

Chassis Codes:

Most likely FSO 125P based derivatives, specific Polonez codes may apply

Generation:

Second generation (post-1978 facelift and redesign of the Fiat 125P platform).

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The FSO Polonez was an Eastern Bloc passenger car, often positioned as a more modern and upmarket alternative to earlier Fiat-derived models. This parts catalog caters to owners and independent workshops in markets where the Polonez was prevalent.

Market Position Details:

This catalog serves a niche but vital market for owners of classic or aging FSO Polonez vehicles. It bridges the gap between official manufacturer support (long ceased) and the need for accurate part identification for repairs and restoration.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other Eastern Bloc vehicles and increasingly with Western European compact and mid-size cars as markets liberalized. The catalog's value lies in its ability to source OE or equivalent parts for a vehicle no longer in primary production.

Key Features:

Comprehensive exploded views, detailed part identification numbers, ability to facilitate independent parts sourcing and cost savings for repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Mechanical components, body parts, electrical systems, fasteners, consumables

Page Count:

Not specified, typically hundreds of pages for a comprehensive catalog

Manual Type:

Spare Parts Catalog (Fiches)

Language:

Likely Polish, potentially with some English or German terminology for international markets

Format:

Physical document (implied), could be available digitally as PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, drivetrain, chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, fuel system, cooling system, electrical system, lighting, interior components, exterior body panels, wheels and tires

Systems Covered Detailed:

Engine (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, lubrication, cooling), Fuel System (carburetor, fuel pump, lines, filter), Ignition System (distributor, coil, spark plugs, wires), Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (gearbox, driveshafts), Rear Axle & Differential, Front & Rear Suspension (springs, shock absorbers, control arms), Steering System (rack and pinion or steering box, tie rods), Braking System (master cylinder, calipers/wheel cylinders, lines, pads/shoes), Electrical System (battery, alternator, starter, lighting, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays), Bodywork (panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, trim), Interior (seats, dashboard, controls, upholstery), Wheels and Tires.

Systems Covered Overview:

This is a comprehensive parts catalog. It meticulously details every replaceable component within the vehicle's major systems, providing visual aids (exploded diagrams) and unique part numbers for precise ordering.

Procedures Included:

Part identification, part ordering, visual reference for assembly/disassembly (via exploded views)

Procedures Included Detailed:

Direct part number lookup based on exploded diagrams, visual identification of correct components for ordering, assembly sequence references (implied by exploded views), common part interchangeability (may be hinted at but not explicitly detailed).

Technical Depth:

Component-level identification and enumeration for parts sourcing. Does not typically include repair procedures or diagnostic steps.

Technical Depth Details:

The 'fiches' or pages within this catalog provide detailed breakdowns of assemblies, allowing users to identify individual fasteners, seals, gaskets, and larger components within each system. This is crucial for ordering the exact part needed.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Physical Document)

File Format Details:

If digital, expected to be a PDF with scanned pages or OCR-enabled text. High-resolution scans for clear diagrams are crucial.

Print Quality:

Likely standard for period publication, diagrams intended for clarity

Print Quality Details:

Original prints would have varying quality. Digital versions should aim for clear, legible diagrams and text, especially for small part numbers.

Binding Type:

Likely bound (stapled or glued)

Paper Type:

Standard paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Inline-4, 4-stroke gasoline engines derived from Fiat (e.g., 1.5L, 1.6L, 2.0L)

Primary Engine Details:

Common engines for 1989 were the 1.5L (Type 350/351) and 1.6L (Type 350/352). The 2.0L (Type 380) was also available in some markets. These engines are OHC (Overhead Camshaft) configurations.

Performance:

Varies by engine: 1.5L approx. 75-80 hp, 1.6L approx. 85-90 hp, 2.0L approx. 100-110 hp. Torque figures would be commensurate with displacement.

Fuel System:

Carbureted (e.g., Weber, Solex) for most 1989 models. Fuel injection was introduced on later variants.

Engine Codes:

Examples: 1.5L (350, 351), 1.6L (350, 352), 2.0L (380). Specific engine variants might have additional alphanumeric codes.

Bore Stroke:

Varies by engine, e.g., 1.5L (Type 350) approx. 84x66 mm, 1.6L (Type 352) approx. 84x72 mm.

Compression Ratio:

Approx. 8.5:1 to 9.5:1 depending on engine variant.

Valve Train:

Overhead Camshaft (OHC), driven by timing chain or belt (depending on specific engine).

Cooling System:

Water-cooled, pressurized system with a radiator, fan, water pump, and thermostat.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission

Optional:

Automatic transmission was rare or not widely available for the 1989 model year.

Features:

Rear-wheel drive layout, robust but simple mechanical design.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by gearbox model (e.g., 4-speed vs. 5-speed) and engine. Typically lower numerical ratios for highway cruising.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Length: approx. 4400-4600 mm, Width: approx. 1660-1700 mm, Height: approx. 1430-1500 mm (body style dependent)

Interior:

Seating for 5 occupants. Interior space was considered adequate for its class in its era.

Cargo:

Trunk capacity varied by sedan/hatchback style, generally competitive for the segment.

Weights:

Curb weight typically between 1100-1250 kg depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

Safety standards of the era, particularly for Eastern Bloc vehicles, were generally lower than Western counterparts. No formal crash ratings available from modern agencies for this model year.

Active Features:

Standard hydraulic disc brakes (front), drum brakes (rear). Power-assisted steering was often optional or on higher trims.

Passive Features:

Basic seat belts, energy-absorbing steering column (design dependent). Limited passive safety features by modern standards.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Speaker count typically 2 or 4.

Driver Assistance:

None by modern standards. Features like ABS or airbags were not common on this model year.

Connectivity:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Typical for the era: Oil changes every 5,000-7,500 km. Spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter every 15,000-30,000 km. Timing belt (if applicable to specific engine variant) every 40,000-60,000 km. Regular chassis lubrication.

Service Intervals Details:

Specific intervals can vary based on driving conditions (e.g., severe vs. normal). The catalog itself won't list intervals, but it's essential context for manual users.

Fluid Specifications:

Engine Oil: SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SF/CD). Coolant: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Brake Fluid: DOT 3. Transmission Fluid: GL-4 gear oil. Power Steering Fluid: ATF (if equipped).

Fluid Specifications Details:

Exact API service classifications might differ slightly by manufacturer recommendations of the time. Always consult the original vehicle manual if available.

Known Issues:

Rust and corrosion, electrical system reliability issues, carburetor tuning, potential for worn suspension and steering components due to age and use. Overheating was also a concern if cooling system maintenance was neglected.

Known Issues Details:

The catalog assists in finding replacements for components that may have failed due to wear or common issues inherent to the vehicle's design and materials used.

Spark Plugs:

Part numbers would depend on the specific engine, but typically common types for the era (e.g., NGK BP6ES or equivalent).

Oil Capacity:

Engine oil capacity typically 3.5-4.5 liters (including filter), depending on engine.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6-7 liters for the cooling system.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

FSO (Fabryka Samochodow Osobowych) was a Polish automobile manufacturer, heavily influenced by Fiat technology in its earlier years.

Model Evolution:

The Polonez was developed from the FSO 1300/1500 (based on the Fiat 125P), featuring a new body style. It underwent various updates and engine changes throughout its production life.

Production:

The Polonez was produced from 1978 to 2002. The 1989 model represents a mid-to-late stage of its production life, likely incorporating minor updates from earlier years.

📄 Vehicle Specs

Chassis Type:

Unibody construction

Body Styles:

Sedan, Estate (Kombi), Pickup truck (Dostawczy)

Suspension Front:

Independent, coil springs, wishbones, telescopic shock absorbers

Suspension Rear:

Live axle, leaf springs (later models might have coil springs/trailing arms), telescopic shock absorbers

Steering:

Recirculating ball or rack and pinion (depending on variant/updates)

Brakes Front:

Disc brakes

Brakes Rear:

Drum brakes

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2700 mm

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1360 mm

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1320 mm

Wheel Size:

Typically 14-inch or 15-inch steel wheels

Bolt Pattern:

5x110 or 5x112 (common for Fiat derived vehicles of the era, specific catalog would confirm)

Tire Size:

Common sizes include 175/70 R13, 185/70 R13, 185/70 R14 (depending on wheel size and trim)