🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

FSO

Model:

Polonez

Year:

1978

Variant:

1300/1500

Chassis Code:

Type 125p based (though specific Polonez codes may exist, this is the developmental lineage)

Engine Codes Covered:

Likely covering the 1.3L and 1.5L inline-4 gasoline engines.

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Small Family Car, primarily for Eastern European markets but with export presence.

Key Competitors:

Likely competitors in its primary markets included models from Lada, Skoda, and other Eastern Bloc manufacturers, as well as budget European imports like Ford Escort, Opel Kadett, VW Golf (though Polonez was positioned as a more robust, larger alternative to some).

Vehicle Philosophy:

Designed as a more modern, spacious, and comfortable successor to the FSO 125p, drawing heavily on Fiat 125 underpinnings but with a distinct hatchback body style for the era. Emphasis on utility and durability.

Manual Purpose:

To provide in-depth technical guidance for the repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the FSO Polonez 1300/1500 models, enabling owners and technicians to keep the vehicle in optimal working condition.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

1978 FSO Polonez 1300 and 1500

Estimated Page Count:

Likely between 200-400 pages, typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era.

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed overhaul, troubleshooting, maintenance for 1300cc and 1500cc engines. Includes cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, cooling system, lubrication system.

Clutch:

Clutch operation, adjustment, disc and pressure plate replacement, hydraulic system servicing.

Gearbox:

Manual transmission overhaul, gear selection mechanisms, synchronizers, bearings, lubrication.

Propeller Shaft:

U-joint inspection and replacement, balancing, mounting.

Rear Axle:

Differential overhaul, lubrication, axle shaft removal and installation, bearings.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system troubleshooting, brake shoe/pad replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder servicing, drum and disc brake maintenance, parking brake system.

Steering System:

Steering gear adjustment and repair, tie rod ends, steering column, power steering (if applicable, though unlikely for base models).

Suspension And Road Wheels:

Front and rear suspension components (springs, shock absorbers, control arms), wheel bearing service, alignment specifications, wheel and tire information.

Electric System:

Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/generator), ignition system, starter motor, lighting, gauges, fuses, relays, common electrical troubleshooting.

Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hinges, latches, glass, trim, ventilation, heating system (basic), body sealing.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic steps for common drivability issues, starting problems, braking concerns, electrical faults.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, clutch replacement, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement.

Component Disassembly Reassembly:

Step-by-step guides for taking apart and putting back together major vehicle systems.

Technical Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive. Suitable for professional mechanics and dedicated DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete component overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

PDF. Searchable text is highly probable if digitally created or scanned with OCR. Optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Print Quality:

Assumed to be good to excellent, typical for professional workshop manuals. Diagrams and illustrations should be clear.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1300:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Camshaft (OHC) depending on specific variant within the 1300cc range, based on Fiat 125 engine architecture.

Engine Type 1500:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated, Overhead Camshaft (OHC), based on enlarged Fiat 125 engine architecture.

Horsepower 1300:

Approx. 60-70 HP (figures vary by specific engine variant and tuning).

Horsepower 1500:

Approx. 75-85 HP (figures vary by specific engine variant and tuning).

Torque 1500:

Likely in the range of 110-125 Nm (figures vary).

Fuel Delivery 1300:

Likely single-barrel or twin-barrel carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber).

Fuel Delivery 1500:

Likely twin-barrel carburetor (e.g., Weber 32 DFM, Solex C32 DDIT).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (though availability might have dictated leaded use in some markets, the engines were generally designed for unleaded).

Ignition System:

Conventional distributor-based ignition system with breaker points and coil, or early electronic ignition depending on specific build.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed manual transmission became available on some later models or as an upgrade, but 4-speed was standard for early 1978 models.

Drive Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD).

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios are detailed in the manual but are typical for the era, designed for a balance of economy and performance.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles Available:

Primarily a 5-door hatchback. Later variants included saloons and estates, but 1978 models were predominantly hatchbacks.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2665 mm (based on FSO 125p).

Length:

Around 4200-4300 mm depending on specific body variant.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1050-1150 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Safety standards of the late 1970s were less stringent than modern standards. The Polonez incorporated basic safety features of its time but likely lacked advanced passive or active safety systems.

Active Safety Features:

Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear. Standard safety belts.

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced body structure for the era, safety steering column, padded dashboard (typical).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio, possibly with a single speaker. No advanced features like CD players or digital displays.

Driver Assistance Features:

None. Focus was on mechanical reliability and basic transportation.

Connectivity Options:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality used.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plug inspection/replacement, points gap adjustment (if applicable) often at 10,000-15,000 km intervals.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SF rated multi-viscosity oil, e.g., 20W-50 or 15W-40 depending on climate.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixture.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Gearbox Oil Type:

API GL-4 gear oil, typically SAE 90.

Rear Axle Oil Type:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 90.

Common Wear Items:

Ignition components (points, condenser, coil), carburetor wear, clutch wear, suspension bushings, universal joints, exhaust system corrosion.

Body Corrosion:

Prone to rust, especially around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms, typical for vehicles of this era and origin.

Carburetor Tuning:

Carburetors can require frequent adjustment for optimal performance and fuel economy.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Fabryka Samochodów Osobowych (FSO) - Polish automotive manufacturer.

Development Basis:

Developed from the FSO 125p, which itself was a license-built version of the Fiat 125. The Polonez was a significant modernization with a new body shell.

Design Era:

Design work began in the early 1970s, with the Polonez being introduced in 1978.

Production Years:

1978-2002 (significant modernization and facelift later).

Manufacturing Location:

Warsaw, Poland.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

Specific awards are not widely documented. The Polonez was a significant domestic product and served as a workhorse for many Polish families and businesses. Its success was more in its utility and accessibility than critical acclaim.