Ambassadeur 4600C5 (11-00)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C5 (11-00)

The Ambassadeur 4600C5 (11-00) is a high-performance right-hand retrieve round reel featuring a sophisticated five-bearing system. This model is designed for ultra-smooth operation and increased casting distance compared to the standard C3 and C4 series. To maintain the precision tolerances of the C5 and ensure the longevity of its high-speed components, this guide utilizes Deuthlon Reel Grease for heavy-load protection and Deuthlon Reel Oil for maximum rotational speed.

Phase 1: Exterior Disassembly

1. Handle Assembly: 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: Note the two Belleville spring washers located beneath the star drag. They must be reinstalled back-to-back ( ) to provide the correct spring tension for the drag system.

3. Side Plate Removal: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws on the right side plate (handle side). Pull the side plate away from the frame to expose the internal drive mechanism.

4. Spool Removal: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the five-bearing system components, specifically the bearings on the spool shaft and inside the side plates.

Phase 2: Drive Train and Gear Maintenance

The C5 relies on high-precision brass and stainless steel gears. Proper lubrication prevents the "gear feel" that can develop in high-speed reels over time.

1. Cleaning: Use a degreaser and a soft brush to remove all old, oxidized grease from the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear. Ensure the teeth are completely clean and free of metallic debris.

2. Grease Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear. This grease is engineered to stay on the teeth even at high speeds, providing a silent, cushioned mesh that protects the gear faces from pitting and wear.

3. Clutch Mechanism: Apply a small amount 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

Because the levelwind on the 4600C5 is synchronized, it oscillates during the cast. Reducing friction here is the most effective way to maximize the performance of the five-bearing system.

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, thickened lubricant.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the nylon idler gear that connects the spool’s rotation to the levelwind system. Ensure the teeth are clean and the gear spins 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 "windage" or drag, whereas Deuthlon oil allows these parts to oscillate rapidly with minimal resistance, significantly improving casting performance and reducing spool start-up inertia.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spindle

1. Bearing Maintenance: Locate the high-speed stainless steel bearings—including the ones that differentiate the C5 from lower models.

2. Lubrication: Clean the bearings thoroughly with a specialized cleaner. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing race. This oil is formulated to provide a high-strength film at high RPMs, ensuring that the five-bearing system provides the smoothness it was designed for.

3. Mechanical Tension: Wipe the ends of the spool spindle clean and apply a micro-drop of oil to the contact points inside the tension knob.

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 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 across the frame with exceptional smoothness. 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 4600C5 (11-00) maintains its high-performance edge and remains protected against the elements.