Ambassadeur 4500CS (04-00)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4500CS (04-00)

The Ambassadeur 4500CS (04-00) is a modern classic produced in Sweden around 2004. The "CS" designation (Rocket series) stands for Chrome Rocket (or specialized casting series), featuring a high-speed 5.3:1 gear ratio and a specialized 3-bearing system. This model is essentially a 4500-sized "Rocket," designed for maximum casting distance and smooth retrieval in a compact, narrow-spool frame.

To maintain its "Rocket" performance and protect the precision brass and stainless steel internals, this guide utilizes Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil.

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. Pull off the handle arm, the curved spring washer, and the star drag wheel.

2. Spring Washers: Beneath the star drag, locate the two Belleville spring washers. Note their orientation; they must be reinstalled in an "opposing" orientation ( ) to provide a smooth, progressive drag curve.

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

Phase 2: Drive Train and Gear Maintenance

The 4500CS features high-strength brass gears and the Carbon Matrix drag system. Proper lubrication here prevents the "gear feel" that can develop under heavy load.

1. Cleaning the Internals: Remove the internal screws securing the handle-side plate to the frame pillars. Lift the plate to reveal the main drive gear, pinion assembly, and drag stack. Use a degreaser to strip away all old, darkened lubricant.

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 gear teeth under load, providing a silent mesh and superior protection against 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 crisp and reliable.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear System

Because the levelwind on the 4500CS is synchronized, the line guide oscillates during the cast. Any mechanical drag in this system acts as a parasitic brake on your spool.

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 of the frame shroud. Clean the "double-helix" grooves of any trapped grit.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the white nylon idler gear (cog wheel) on the frame. Ensure the teeth are clean and it rotates freely on its post.

3. Oil Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the Levelwind Worm Shaft and the Idler Gear. Never use grease here. The ultra-low viscosity of Deuthlon oil allows these parts to oscillate with almost zero resistance, which is critical for the "Rocket" casting performance.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spindle

1. Spool Bearings: Locate the high-speed stainless steel bearings—one in the side plate tension knob and one in the opposite side plate.

2. Lubrication: Clean the bearings thoroughly with a solvent. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing race. This oil provides the necessary film strength for protection while maintaining the ultra-low start-up inertia required for long casts.

3. Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR): Inspect the one-way roller bearing located in the side plate. If the handle has back-play, clean the bearing with alcohol and apply a very light film of oil. Never use grease in the IAR bearing, as it will cause the rollers to slip.

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 6-pin centrifugal brake weights are retracted and the spindle seats properly.

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

Performance Verification

Depress the thumb bar to verify the reel enters free-spool mode effortlessly. Spin the spool by hand; 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 primary gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler gears ensures your Ambassadeur 4500CS (04-00) performs at its maximum potential.