Ambassadeur 4600CB (79-11-00)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600CB (79-11-00)

The Ambassadeur 4600CB (79-11-00) is a premier vintage specimen from the late 1970s. As one of the earliest "Self-Casting" models, it features the iconic center-button release and the "CB" (Casting Brake) system. This era of Swedish manufacturing used high-tolerance brass and stainless steel components that, if maintained, will outlast modern counterparts. To preserve this historical piece and ensure smooth operation, we recommend using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil.

Phase 1: Exterior Disassembly and Inspection

1. Handle Removal: Remove the screw from the handle nut locking plate. Use a 10mm wrench to remove the handle nut. Lift off the handle arm, the tension spring washer, and the star drag wheel.

2. Side Plate Removal: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws on the right side plate (handle side). Pull the side plate away from the frame.

3. Spool and Centrifugal Brakes: Slide the spool out of the frame. This model features two small centrifugal brake weights on the spindle. Ensure these weights move freely on their pins; they are critical for controlling the spool speed of this vintage frame.

Phase 2: Drive Train and Gear Maintenance

In a reel from 1979, the factory grease has likely hardened into a varnish-like substance. Complete removal of old lubricants is necessary to prevent gear binding.

1. Opening the Gear Box: Remove the internal screws securing the right side plate to the frame housing. Lift the plate to expose the main drive gear and the pinion assembly.

2. Cleaning: Use a soft brush and a degreaser to strip away all traces of old lubricant. Inspect the brass main gear for any signs of green corrosion (verdigris) and clean it thoroughly.

3. 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 high-tenacity film that cushions the vintage gear teeth, ensuring a silent retrieve and protecting the metal from environmental oxidation.

4. Clutch and Release Linkage: Apply a small amount of grease to the pinion yoke and the internal slider mechanism connected to the center button. This ensures the "Self-Casting" feature engages and disengages with a crisp, mechanical feel.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler System

The synchronized levelwind on the 4600CB moves during the cast. In 1970s reels, friction in the levelwind is the primary cause of bird-nests and poor casting distance.

1. Worm Shaft Maintenance: 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 debris or old, gummy grease.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Locate the nylon idler gear that transfers motion from the spool to the levelwind. Inspect it for any signs of brittleness or cracks.

3. Oil Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the Levelwind Worm Shaft and the Idler Gear. Using oil instead of grease on these parts is critical for vintage performance. Grease creates too much mechanical drag, which significantly reduces the RPMs of the spool during a cast. Deuthlon oil provides a low-viscosity, high-strength film that allows the levelwind and idler gears to oscillate effortlessly.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spindle

1. Spool Bearings: Locate the spool bearings (typically high-quality stainless steel or bronze bushings in this era).

2. Lubrication: Clean the bearings thoroughly with a degreaser. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing. This oil is formulated to stay on the race even at high speeds, ensuring that the vintage spool can reach its maximum speed without generating heat.

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 knobs on both side plates.

Phase 5: Reassembly and Function Check

1. Set the Gear Box: Reseat the pinion gear into the yoke and slide the main gear/drag stack back onto the drive shaft.

2. Frame Closure: Reattach the right side plate to the frame and tighten the screws.

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

4. Final Hardware: Reinstall the star drag, spring washer, handle arm, and 10mm nut. Secure the locking plate with the screw.

Final Performance Verification

Depress the center casting button to ensure the spool enters free-spool mode effortlessly. Spin the spool by hand; the levelwind 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 vintage Ambassadeur 4600CB (79-11-00) is restored to its peak operational condition.