Ambassadeur 4600C USA Bass (99-03)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C USA Bass (99-03)

The Ambassadeur 4600C USA Bass (99-03) is a patriotic tribute to the American bass fishing tradition, manufactured in Sweden. The "99-03" code identifies it as a specific revision produced around 1999. This model is essentially a "super-tuned" version of the classic 4600C, often featuring a high-speed 5.3:1 gear ratio, a 3-bearing system, and a striking blue or grey finish with the red, white, and blue USA Bass logo.

To keep this specialized piece of equipment in championship form, we recommend using 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, the tension spring washer, and the star drag wheel.

2. Spring Washers: Beneath the star drag, locate the two Belleville spring washers. Ensure they are reinstalled in an "opposing" fashion ( ) to provide consistent, smooth drag pressure during long bass fights.

3. Side Plate Access: Loosen the three knurled 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 USA Bass edition features precision-machined brass gears. At a 5.3:1 ratio, these gears move quickly and require a lubricant that stays put under the rapid stress of "burning" a spinnerbait or deep-cranking.

1. Internal Access: Remove the screws securing the right side plate to the frame pillars. Lift the plate to reveal the drive shaft and gears.

2. Cleaning: Use a degreaser to remove all traces of old, contaminated grease.

3. Grease Application: Apply 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 prevent the "gear chatter" common in brass internals, ensuring your retrieve stays as smooth as the day it left Sweden.

4. 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 doesn't stick during a busy day of power-fishing.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear System

The synchronized levelwind on the 4600C moves back and forth during the cast. Any mechanical drag here 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 and clean the spiral grooves.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the white nylon idler gear on the frame. Ensure it is clean and rotates freely.

3. Oil Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the Levelwind Worm Shaft and the Idler Gear. Never use grease here. The light viscosity of Deuthlon oil allows the levelwind system to oscillate with minimal resistance, significantly increasing your casting distance with lighter bass lures.

Phase 4: 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 oil is formulated to handle the high RPMs of a modern casting reel while providing a protective film that prevents heat buildup.

3. Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR): Inspect the roller bearing in the side plate. If the handle has back-play, clean the bearing and apply a very light film of oil. Grease in the IAR bearing will cause it to fail.

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 in the pinion gear.

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 smoothly across the frame. Turn the handle to engage the gears. Using Deuthlon Reel Grease on the primary gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler gears ensures your Ambassadeur 4600C USA Bass (99-03) is optimized for precision and power.