Ambassadeur 4500CB

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4500CB is a highly sought-after, "Made in Sweden" classic from the early 1980s (roughly 1980–1982). The "CB" designation stands for Self-Centering Magnetic Brake (or simply "Centering Brake"), an early innovation designed to assist in casting accuracy and line control.

This reel is built on a narrow frame, making it the perfect choice for light-to-medium freshwater applications like bass or trout fishing. Because of its age, the 4500CB requires specific maintenance to keep its vintage mechanical parts from wearing down. This guide uses Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil to restore its original Swedish precision.

Phase 1: Exterior Disassembly

1. Handle and Star Drag: Remove the screw from the handle nut locking cap. Use a 10mm wrench to remove the handle nut. Lift off the handle, the handle spacer, and the star drag wheel.

2. Spring Washers: Beneath the star drag, you will find two Belleville spring washers. Note their orientation; they must be reinstalled back-to-back ( ) to ensure a smooth, linear drag curve.

3. Side Plate Access: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws on the right side plate. Pull the side plate away from the frame and slide the spool out.

Phase 2: Drive Train and Gear Maintenance

The 4500CB features high-strength brass gears. After 40+ years, the original lubricants have likely polymerized into a sticky residue that makes the retrieve feel "heavy."

1. Cleaning: Remove the internal screws holding the right side plate to the frame pillars. Lift the plate to reveal the main drive gear and pinion. Use a degreaser to strip away all old, hardened grease.

2. Grease Application: Apply a light, even coat of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear. This grease is specifically designed to adhere to metal under load, providing a silent mesh and superior protection against the "gear feel" that develops with vintage brass.

3. Clutch Mechanism: Apply a small amount of grease to the pinion yoke and the contact points of the kick lever. This ensures the thumb-bar engagement remains crisp and responsive.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear System

Because the levelwind is synchronized, the line guide oscillates during the cast. This is the primary source of friction in older Ambassadeurs.

1. Worm Shaft Service: Unscrew the pawl cap on the bottom of the line guide and remove the metal pawl. Slide the worm shaft out. Clean the "double-helix" grooves of any trapped grit or oxidation.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the nylon idler gear (Cog Wheel) on the frame. Check for any missing or flattened teeth.

3. Oil Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the Worm Shaft and the Idler Gear. Do not use grease. Grease creates mechanical drag that slows the spool during the cast. The ultra-low viscosity of Deuthlon oil allows the levelwind to move with almost zero resistance.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spindle

1. Bearing Service: Locate the two stainless steel spool bearings (size 3 x 10 x 4mm).

2. Lubrication: Clean the bearings thoroughly with a solvent. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing race. This high-speed oil provides maximum spool RPMs while protecting the races from heat and friction.

3. Anti-Reverse: Early 4500CB models utilize a mechanical anti-reverse "dog." Clean the pawl and add a tiny drop of oil to its pivot point. Avoid grease here, as it can cause the pawl to stick in cold weather, leading to handle "back-slap."

Phase 5: Reassembly and Testing

1. Set the Gear Box: Reseat the pinion gear into the yoke and slide the main gear/drag stack back onto the drive shaft.

2. Close the Frame: Align the side plate with the frame and tighten the thumb screws.

3. Insert Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the spindle seats properly.

4. Final Hardware: Reinstall the star drag, spring washers, handle, and 10mm nut. Secure the locking cap.

Performance Verification

Depress the thumb bar to verify the reel enters free-spool mode effortlessly. Spin the spool; the line guide should track back and forth smoothly across the frame. Turn the handle to engage the gears. The combination of Deuthlon Reel Grease on the power-train and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the casting-train ensures your classic Ambassadeur 4500CB remains a high-performance precision instrument.