Ambassadeur 4500CDL (90-0)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4500CDL (90-0)

The Ambassadeur 4500CDL (90-0) is a prestigious, collector-grade "Made in Sweden" reel produced in 1990. The CDL designation signifies a "Custom Deluxe" model, traditionally featuring 24-karat gold-plated accents (handle, star drag, thumb screws, and crest) paired with a high-gloss black or teak finish.

Mechanically, it is a refined narrow-spool reel with a 5.3:1 gear ratio and a 2-bearing system. Because of its gold plating and collectible status, maintenance must be performed with extra care to avoid scratching the finish. This guide utilizes Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil to preserve its museum-quality smoothness.

Phase 1: Exterior Disassembly (Handle & Side Plate)

1. Gold Hardware Protection: Use a plastic-lined wrench or cover the gold handle nut with a thin cloth before applying a 10mm wrench. Remove the locking screw and the nut.

2. Star Drag: Lift off the gold handle, the handle spacer, and the star drag wheel.

3. Spring Washers: Beneath the star drag, locate the two Belleville spring washers. Ensure they are reinstalled in an "opposing" orientation ( ).

4. Frame Opening: Loosen the three gold knurled thumb screws. Carefully pull the right side plate away from the frame and slide the spool out.

Phase 2: Drive Train and Gear Maintenance

The 90-0 revision features precision brass gears. In a deluxe model like the CDL, the goal is a retrieve that is completely silent and vibration-free.

1. Internal Access: Remove the internal screws to separate the side plate from the gear housing. Use a specialized degreaser to remove all traces of old, potentially hardened lubricant.

2. Grease Application: Apply a light, uniform coat of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear. This grease is specifically engineered to stay on the teeth, providing a silent mesh and protecting the vintage brass from wear.

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 smooth and "crisp."

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear System

The 4500CDL features a synchronized levelwind. To maintain the reel’s high-performance feel, the levelwind must oscillate with zero hesitation.

1. Worm Shaft Service: Unscrew the gold pawl cap and remove the metal pawl. Slide the worm shaft out. Clean the grooves of any trapped dust or old oil.

2. Idler Gear: Locate the white nylon idler gear (cog wheel). Ensure the teeth are clean.

3. Oil Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the Worm Shaft and the Idler Gear. Do not use grease. Grease adds mechanical resistance that slows down the spool during a cast. Deuthlon oil allows the levelwind to move with minimal friction.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spindle

1. Bearing Service: Locate the two stainless steel spool bearings.

2. Lubrication: Clean the bearings thoroughly in a solvent bath. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing race. This ultra-low viscosity oil provides the high-speed film strength needed for long, effortless casts while protecting the stainless steel races.

3. Anti-Reverse Pawl: This model typically uses a mechanical anti-reverse "dog." Clean it and add a tiny drop of oil to its pivot point. Avoid grease, as it can make the pawl "stick" and fail to engage.

Phase 5: Reassembly and Finishing

1. Final Assembly: Reseat the pinion, yoke, and main gear stack. Align the side plate and tighten the gold thumb screws.

2. Gold Care: Once the reel is reassembled, wipe down all gold-plated surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth and a drop of silicon-based reel protectant to prevent fingerprints and oxidation from skin oils.

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. Turn the handle to engage the gears. The combination of Deuthlon Reel Grease for the power-train and Deuthlon Reel Oil for the levelwind and bearings ensures your Ambassadeur 4500CDL (90-0) remains a functional work of art.