Ambassadeur 4600AB (08-00)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600AB (08-00)

The Ambassadeur 4600AB (08-00) is a specialized Swedish-made round reel that features the unique Anti-Backlash (AB) system. The "08-00" revision identifies it as an early-generation AB model produced around the turn of the millennium.

The AB system uses a moving activator bar (the "front bar") that senses line slack during a cast and automatically applies a mechanical brake to prevent overruns. While innovative, this system requires precise lubrication to ensure the moving parts don't "lag," which would cause the reel to over-brake or fail to stop a backlash. This guide utilizes Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil to maintain that balance of protection and speed.

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, the handle spacer, and the star drag wheel.

2. Spring Washers: Note the two Belleville spring washers beneath the star drag. They must be reinstalled in an "opposing" orientation ( ) to ensure the drag applies pressure smoothly rather than acting like an "on/off" switch.

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: Servicing the Anti-Backlash (AB) Mechanism

The AB system is the most critical part of this specific model. If the activator bar is dirty, the reel will perform poorly.

1. Cleaning the Activator Bar: Locate the "floating" bar at the front of the frame. Clean the pivot points where the bar connects to the side frame with a cotton swab and a light solvent.

2. Lubrication: Apply a single drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the pivot pins of the activator bar. Do not use grease here. Grease is too viscous and will slow down the bar's reaction time, potentially leading to a bird's nest before the brake can engage.

3. Spring Inspection: Ensure the small return spring attached to the AB linkage is clean. A light wipe with an oily cloth will prevent rust without adding weight to the mechanism.

Phase 3: Drive Train and Gear Maintenance

The 08-00 revision features a high-strength brass main gear and pinion. Proper lubrication here ensures the "Swedish smooth" feeling during the retrieve.

1. Deep Cleaning: Remove the internal screws holding the right side plate to the frame pillars. Lift the plate to reveal the gear stack. Use a degreaser to remove all old, contaminated 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 provide a silent mesh and superior protection against the "gritty" feel that can develop in brass internals under load.

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 4: Levelwind and Idler Gear

On the 4600AB, the levelwind is synchronized, meaning it oscillates during the cast. Any friction here acts as a parasitic brake.

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 and clean the grooves of any trapped grit.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the white nylon idler gear 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. The light viscosity of Deuthlon oil allows the levelwind to move with minimal resistance, ensuring the AB system only applies braking when the line actually goes slack.

Phase 5: Bearings and Spindle

1. Spool Bearings: Locate the two stainless steel spool bearings.

2. Lubrication: Clean the bearings thoroughly with a solvent. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing race. This maintains the ultra-low start-up inertia required for the AB system to function correctly.

3. Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR): Inspect the roller bearing in the side plate. If the handle has back-play, clean the bearing with alcohol and apply a very light film of oil. Never grease the IAR bearing.

Phase 6: 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. Testing: With the reel reassembled, pull the line forward sharply. You should see the AB activator bar move slightly, indicating the braking system is ready to engage.

The combination of Deuthlon Reel Grease for the power-train and Deuthlon Reel Oil for the casting-train and AB system ensures your Ambassadeur 4600AB (08-00) is both smooth-operating and reliably backlash-free.