Era:
Late 1970s snowmobile market.
Target Audience:
Polaris Colt 55 and Electra owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Competitors:
Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, Yamaha snowmobiles of the same era.
Value Proposition:
Comprehensive, factory-level repair information at an accessible price, empowering owners to maintain their vintage snowmobiles.
Customer Support:
Guaranteed quality and excellent customer service.
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting, cooling system, lubrication system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, points, condenser, spark plugs, magneto service.
Transmission Drive:
Clutch (drive and driven), chain case, drive sprocket, track system maintenance and repair.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (skis, tie rods, spindles), rear suspension (bogies, shock absorbers, idler wheels), steering mechanism.
Braking System:
Brake caliper, brake disc, brake lever, cable adjustment and service.
Electrical System:
Lighting system, battery maintenance (if applicable), wiring diagrams, switchgear.
Body Chassis:
Sheet metal repair, seat, hood, windshield, decals, chassis maintenance.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, lubrication points, track tension adjustment, carburetor cleaning, spark plug replacement, oil changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting problems, performance issues, and component failures.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission component replacement, clutch adjustments, and suspension repairs.
Technical Data:
Specifications for clearances, torque values, ignition timing, fuel-air mixture settings.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and troubleshooting.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of illustrations and diagrams to guide repair procedures.
Searchability:
Searchable PDF format for quick access to information.
Printability:
Allows users to print specific pages as needed for workshop use.
Engine Type:
2-stroke, fan-cooled, twin-cylinder (common for both models, specific displacement varies)
Engine Displacement Colt:
Likely 244cc to 339cc range for Colt models (specific to sub-variants)
Engine Displacement Electra:
Likely 244cc to 339cc range for Electra models (specific to sub-variants)
Horsepower Range:
Estimated 25-40 HP (dependent on specific engine variant)
Torque Range:
N/A (Specific torque figures often not readily available for this era/type of vehicle)
Carburetion:
Single or dual Mikuni or Keihin carburetors (specific model dependent)
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil (e.g., 40:1 ratio)
Oil Mixing:
Pre-mix or separate oil injection system (dependent on specific engine variant)
Type:
Automatic Clutch (Variable Ratio Drive/CVT)
Options:
N/A (Typically single speed automatic)
Clutch System:
Drive clutch (primary) and driven clutch (secondary) with belt drive.
Gear Reduction:
Chain drive from driven clutch to rear axle.
Lubrication:
Chain case lubrication with specific gear oil.
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Snowmobiles of this era were not subjected to automotive-style crash testing.)
Braking System:
Mechanical disc brake, handlebar-actuated.
Engine Kill Switch:
Handlebar-mounted safety tether and kill switch.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, and brake light (standard on most models).
Clutch Inspection:
Inspect primary and driven clutches annually or every 50 hours of operation. Check belt wear.
Spark Plugs:
Clean and check gap at the beginning of each season; replace as needed.
Carburetor Cleaning:
Recommended annually before storage and before the riding season.
Chain Case Lubrication:
Check level and condition annually; change oil every 2-3 seasons.
Chain Case Oil:
Polaris specifies specific gear oil (e.g., Polaris 0W-30 Gearcase Lubricant or equivalent GL-3/GL-4 gear oil).
2 Stroke Oil:
High-quality 2-stroke snowmobile oil, mixed with gasoline per manufacturer specification (typically 40:1).
Grease:
General-purpose lithium-based grease for suspension and steering pivot points.
Clutch Wear:
Worn drive belts, worn clutch rollers/buttons, and contaminated clutch sheaves are common.
Engine Carburetion:
Carburetor jetting issues, plugged fuel filters, and ignition timing problems can affect performance.
Suspension Components:
Wear on idler wheels, bogie wheels, and suspension bushings is expected with age.
Track Condition:
Cracked or missing track lugs, and improper track tension can cause damage or poor performance.
Polarishistory:
Polaris Industries was founded in 1954 and became a pioneer in the snowmobile industry.
Colt Lineage:
The Colt series was a popular line of Polaris snowmobiles known for their utility and reliability.
Electra Lineage:
The Electra was often positioned as a more performance-oriented or higher-spec model in Polaris's lineup.
Manufacturing Location:
USA (Roseau, Minnesota is Polaris's historical base)
Production Years General:
Mid to late 1970s.
