🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

FSO

Model:

125P

Platform Code:

Original Fiat 125 platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential resource for owners and restorers of the FSO Fiat 125P, a classic Polish-built sedan known for its robust engineering and Fiat heritage.

Competitive Analysis:

Provides detailed coverage exceeding generic workshop manuals, focusing specifically on the nuances of the FSO production and its variations.

Key Features:

Extensive troubleshooting guides, detailed diagrams, comprehensive overhaul procedures, and a well-structured table of contents for ease of use.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Description:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, and restoration of the FSO Fiat 125P. Covers all mechanical, electrical, and bodywork aspects.

Page Count:

Hundreds of pages

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor tuning, fuel pump, lines), ignition system (distributor, spark plugs, coil), exhaust system.

Transmission Systems:

Clutch system, gearbox (disassembly, assembly, overhaul), propeller shaft, differential.

Chassis Systems:

Front suspension (geometry, components, shocks, springs), rear suspension (leaf springs, shock absorbers), steering system (steering box, linkages), braking system (master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake drums, brake pads), wheels and tires.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), dashboard instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, horn.

Bodywork And Interior:

Body panel repair, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, glass, seals.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement, coolant flush, spark plug replacement, brake fluid change, lubrication points, belt tensioning, air filter cleaning/replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild, carburetor overhaul, clutch replacement, gearbox repair, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosing common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Restoration Guidelines:

Detailed instructions for component refurbishment and restoration to original specifications.

Technical Depth:

Complete overhaul and detailed repair procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic data for professional mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scan, suitable for printing with clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within PDF reader for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Cam (OHC) depending on specific 125P variant derived from Fiat design.

Engine Displacement:

Typically 1.5 liters (1481 cc) or 1.6 liters (1608 cc) based on the Fiat 125 engine. Specific manual will detail exact variant.

Bore X Stroke:

Varies by specific engine variant; e.g., 80 mm x 74 mm for the 1481cc variant.

Compression Ratio:

Typically around 8.0:1 to 9.0:1, depending on variant and fuel octane rating.

Horsepower Output:

Approx. 70-90 hp (51-66 kW) at 5000-5400 rpm for 1.5L and 1.6L variants.

Torque Output:

Approx. 115-130 Nm (85-96 lb-ft) at 3000-3500 rpm.

Fuel Delivery:

Downdraft carburetor, typically Weber or Solex models (e.g., Weber 32 DFD).

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, octane rating of 90-95 RON (research octane number).

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 for moderate climates; SAE 10W-30 for colder climates.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual synchromesh gearbox.

Optional Transmission:

Rarely, an automatic transmission might have been offered on some Fiat-derived models, though less common for FSO 125P.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate diaphragm spring clutch.

Gear Ratios:

Detailed gear ratios for all forward gears and reverse will be specified in the manual.

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 1.5 - 2.0 liters, depending on gearbox type.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4400 mm (173.2 in)

Width:

Approx. 1630 mm (64.2 in)

Height:

Approx. 1460 mm (57.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2650 mm (104.3 in)

Track Front:

Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in)

Track Rear:

Approx. 1330 mm (52.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1100-1200 kg (2425-2645 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 1550 kg (3417 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 400-450 kg (880-990 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Generous for its era, specific liters will be detailed in the manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

As a vehicle from the 1970s/1980s, formal crash test ratings (like Euro NCAP) were not standardized or as rigorous as today. Manual will focus on design safety features of the era.

Active Safety Features:

Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear, effective hydraulic system, good weight distribution for stability.

Passive Safety Features:

Steel body construction, safety belts (likely lap belts in front, lap belts in rear or optional three-point belts), padded dashboard, collapsible steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic analog radio, often with AM/FM reception. No digital displays or complex systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Focus on mechanical systems and driver control.

Connectivity Options:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles). Fuel filter every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 15,000-20,000 km (9,000-12,000 miles).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 40,000 km (24,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2 years.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific FSO/Fiat recommendation might be detailed.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

N/A (Manual steering system)

Common Issues:

Carburetor tuning sensitivity, ignition system wear (points, condenser), suspension bushing wear, rust perforation on body panels, clutch wear, potential for overheating in heavy traffic if cooling system is not maintained.

Electrical Quirks:

Wiring harness age can lead to intermittent faults, poor grounding connections.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

FSO (Fabryka Samochodow Osobowych) was a Polish automobile manufacturer, primarily known for assembling Fiat vehicles under license and developing its own models based on Fiat platforms.

Model Evolution:

The FSO 125P was a licensed production of the Fiat 125, introduced in 1967. FSO made various modifications and updates over its production run, distinguishing it from the original Italian Fiat 125, which was phased out earlier.

Production Years:

1967 to 1991 in Poland.

Manufacturing Location:

Warsaw, Poland.

Notable Variants:

Various sedan (limuzyna), station wagon (kombi), and pickup truck (polonez derived from 125P chassis) versions were produced. This manual is specific to the 125P sedan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the FSO 125P itself may not have specific 'awards', it was a popular and enduring model in Eastern Europe for its utility, durability, and Fiat-derived engineering. Recognized by enthusiasts as a classic representing a significant era in Polish automotive history.