Ambassadeur 4600C3 17 01

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C3 (17-01)

The Ambassadeur 4600C3 (17-01) is a high-performance right-hand retrieve round reel that represents the refined modern standard of Swedish engineering. This "17-01" revision features a 5.3:1 gear ratio, a 3+1 stainless steel bearing system, and the robust Carbon Matrix drag system. To maintain its legendary smoothness and protect the high-quality brass 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. Drag Spring Washers: Note the two Belleville spring washers located beneath the star drag. They must be reinstalled in an "opposing" orientation ( ) to ensure the drag stack maintains consistent, adjustable pressure.

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 17-01 model features a high-strength brass main gear and a stainless steel pinion gear. Proper lubrication here prevents the "gear feel" that can develop over time and protects against corrosion.

1. Cleaning the Internals: Remove the internal screws securing the right side plate to the frame pillars. Lift the plate to reveal the main drive gear, pinion assembly, and the Carbon Matrix 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, providing a silent mesh and superior protection against wear under heavy 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 responsive.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear System

The 4600C3 features a synchronized levelwind, meaning the line guide oscillates during the cast. Reducing friction in this system is the most effective way to maximize casting distance.

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 or old lubricant.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the white nylon idler gear on the frame that links the spool to the levelwind. Ensure the teeth are clean and the gear rotates freely on its post.

3. Oil Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the Levelwind Worm Shaft and the Idler Gear. Using oil here instead of grease is critical. Grease creates mechanical drag, whereas Deuthlon oil allows these parts to oscillate with minimal resistance.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spindle

1. Spool Bearings: Locate the two stainless steel spool bearings—one in the side plate tension knob and one in the opposite side plate.

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

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

Phase 5: Reassembly and Testing

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

2. Frame Closure: 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 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 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 4600C3 (17-01) is optimized for peak performance and longevity.