Ambassadeur 4600C3 Kokanee 01 17 00

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C3 Kokanee (17-00)

The Ambassadeur 4600C3 Kokanee (17-00) is a specialized variant of the classic C3, specifically tuned for the light-strike requirements of Kokanee and trout fishing. This right-hand retrieve reel features a 3-bearing system and a synchronized levelwind. The "Kokanee" edition is often characterized by its specific color scheme and a smooth, consistent drag system essential for protecting the soft mouths of landlocked salmon. To maintain this precision, we recommend 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 and unscrew the 10mm handle nut. Remove the handle arm, the spring washer, and the star drag wheel.

2. Spring Washers: Beneath the star drag, note the two curved Belleville washers. These should be reinstalled in an "opposing" fashion ( ) to provide the smooth, incremental drag adjustments needed for Kokanee.

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 Kokanee model relies on a smooth gear mesh to ensure that vibration doesn't travel down light lines to sensitive lures.

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 and pinion assembly. Use a degreaser to strip away 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 provides a resilient film that ensures a silent, vibration-free retrieve, which is critical when trolling light tackle.

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 effortless and doesn't stick.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear System

Because Kokanee lures are often very light, the synchronized levelwind must operate with as little resistance as possible to prevent spool start-up lag.

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 slurry.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the 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 essential. Grease creates mechanical drag that can hinder the performance of light tackle; Deuthlon oil allows these parts to oscillate with minimal friction.

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 the necessary film strength while maintaining ultra-low start-up inertia, allowing for smoother casts with light kokanee rigs.

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.

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 three thumb screws.

3. Insert Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the centrifugal brake weights are retracted.

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

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 and test the drag. The combination of Deuthlon Reel Grease on the primary gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler gears ensures your Ambassadeur 4600C3 Kokanee (17-00) remains a precision tool for light-tackle salmon fishing.