Ambassadeur 4600C3 (99-07)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C3 (99-07)

The Ambassadeur 4600C3 (99-07) is a quintessential "Made in Sweden" right-hand retrieve round reel. This 1999 revision is highly regarded for its 5.3:1 gear ratio, offering a perfect balance between power and speed. It features a 3-bearing system (2 spool bearings and 1 Instant Anti-Reverse roller bearing) and the classic synchronized levelwind. To maintain its "Swedish smooth" performance and protect its high-grade brass gears, 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 back-to-back ( ) to provide the correct spring tension for the drag system.

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 99-07 model relies on a high-grade brass main gear and a stainless steel pinion gear. Proper lubrication here prevents gear "chatter" and ensures a powerful retrieve.

1. Cleaning: Use a degreaser and a small brush to remove all old, oxidized grease from the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear. Inspect the teeth for any debris or metal shavings.

2. Grease Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear. This grease is specifically engineered to stay on the teeth under load, providing a silent, smooth retrieve and superior protection against corrosion.

3. Clutch Mechanism: Apply a small dab of grease to the pinion yoke and the contact points of the kick lever to ensure the thumb-bar engagement remains crisp and responsive.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear System

On the 4600C3, the levelwind is synchronized with the spool, meaning it oscillates during the cast. Any mechanical resistance here acts as a brake on the spool, reducing 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 shroud. Clean the "double-helix" grooves of any trapped grit.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the nylon idler gear on the frame that connects the spool’s rotation to the levelwind system. Ensure the teeth are clean.

3. Oil Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the Levelwind Worm Shaft and the Idler Gear. Using oil instead of grease here is vital; the lower viscosity of the oil allows the levelwind and idler gears to spin with minimal resistance, significantly increasing casting distance.

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. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing race. This high-speed oil provides maximum spool RPMs during the cast while protecting the races from heat and friction.

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, 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 and drag stack onto the drive shaft.

2. Close the Frame: Align the side plate with the frame and tighten the three 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 back and forth smoothly across the frame without hesitation. Turn the handle to engage the gears. The use of Deuthlon Reel Grease on the primary gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler gears ensures your Ambassadeur 4600C3 (99-07) is optimized for peak performance and longevity.