Ambassadeur 4600C4 Elite (07-00)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C4 Elite (07-00)

The Ambassadeur 4600C4 Elite (07-00) is a premium right-hand retrieve round reel, distinguished by its high-speed 6.3:1 gear ratio and a smooth 4-bearing system. The "Elite" series often featured upgraded aesthetics and tighter tolerances compared to the standard C4. To maintain its rapid retrieve and precision casting, this guide utilizes Deuthlon Reel Grease for high-load protection and Deuthlon Reel Oil for speed-sensitive components.

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. Tension Washers: Beneath the star drag, note the two Belleville spring washers. They must be reinstalled in an "opposing" fashion ( ) to ensure the drag stack maintains consistent pressure.

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 C4 Elite's high-speed gears are the heart of the reel. Because they rotate more times per handle turn than standard gears, reducing friction and heat is vital.

1. Cleaning: Remove the internal screws securing the right side plate to the frame pillars. Lift the plate to reveal the main drive gear and pinion. Use a degreaser to strip away all old, darkened grease from the brass and steel teeth.

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 high-speed gears, providing a silent mesh and preventing the "buzz" or vibration often felt in 6.3:1 ratio reels.

3. Clutch Mechanism: Apply a small amount of grease to the pinion yoke and the thumb-bar kick lever to ensure the transition between "cast" and "retrieve" is seamless.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear System

The levelwind on the 4600C4 Elite is synchronized, meaning it tracks back and forth during the cast. Any grit or thick grease here will drastically shorten your 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 shroud. Clean the spiral grooves of any trapped grit.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the white nylon idler gear on the frame that links the spool to the levelwind. Ensure it is clean and the teeth are not worn.

3. Oil Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the Levelwind Worm Shaft and the Idler Gear. Using oil here instead of grease is critical; the lower viscosity allows the levelwind to oscillate rapidly during the cast with minimal resistance.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spool Spindle

1. Bearing Service: 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 cleaner. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing race. This oil provides the necessary film strength for long-distance casting while maintaining ultra-low start-up inertia.

3. Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR): Inspect the one-way roller bearing in the side plate. If the handle has back-play, clean the IAR bearing 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 back 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 spindle seats properly in the pinion gear.

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 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 Elite (07-00) remains a high-performance casting machine.