Ambassadeur 4600C4 15 01

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C4 (15 01)

The Ambassadeur 4600C4 (15 01) is a high-speed, right-hand retrieve round reel that embodies the modern standard for Abu Garcia's Swedish-made engineering. This specific revision (15 01) features a 6.3:1 gear ratio, a 4+1 bearing system, and the Carbon Matrix drag system. To keep this modern workhorse running at its peak and protect its precision-machined 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 and unscrew the 10mm handle nut. Remove the handle arm, the spring washer, and the star drag wheel.

2. Drag Spring Washers: Note the two curved Belleville washers. These must be reinstalled in an "opposing" orientation ( ) to ensure the Carbon Matrix drag applies pressure evenly.

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 15 01 model uses the Duragear 2 brass gear system. Because the 6.3:1 ratio generates high rotational speeds, using a high-tenacity grease is vital to prevent gear chatter and premature wear.

1. Cleaning: Remove the internal screws securing the handle-side plate to the frame pillars. Lift the plate to reveal the main gear and pinion assembly. Degrease all components to remove 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 engineered to stay on the teeth at high RPMs, providing a silent, cushioned mesh that protects the gear faces from pitting and 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

Because the levelwind on the 4600C4 is synchronized, the line guide oscillates during the cast. Reducing friction here 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 slurry.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the nylon idler gear on the frame. 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 is too viscous for high-speed oscillation, whereas Deuthlon oil allows these parts to move with minimal resistance, ensuring the spool can reach its maximum RPM during the cast.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spindle

1. Spool Bearings: Locate the high-speed stainless steel 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 for long casts while maintaining ultra-low start-up inertia.

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, as it will cause the rollers to slip and the anti-reverse to fail.

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 4600C4 (15 01) is optimized for peak performance and longevity.