Ambassadeur 4600KC3 (08-00)

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600KC3 (08-00)

The Ambassadeur 4600KC3 (08-00) is a right-hand retrieve, high-speed round reel featuring the "Gunsmoke" finish and the classic C3 three-bearing system. This specific revision is known for its synchronized levelwind and instant anti-reverse. To maintain its high-speed performance and protect the gear mesh from premature wear, this guide recommends Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil.

Phase 1: Exterior Disassembly

1. Handle Removal: Remove the screw securing the handle nut cap. Use a 10mm wrench to remove the handle nut, then lift off the handle and the star drag wheel.

2. Spring Washers: Beneath the star drag, locate the two curved Belleville washers. Note their orientation (usually back-to-back) to ensure the drag pressure remains consistent upon reassembly.

3. Side Plate Access: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws on the right side plate (handle side). Remove the plate and slide the spool out of the frame.

Phase 2: Drive Train and Gear Maintenance

The 4600KC3 relies on a brass main gear and a stainless steel pinion gear to provide its 5.3:1 or 6.3:1 retrieve ratio.

1. Cleaning: Use a degreaser to strip away old, contaminated grease from the gear teeth. Inspect for any metal shavings or debris that could cause a "gritty" feel.

2. Grease Application: Apply Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear. This grease is specifically engineered to provide high-pressure lubrication, ensuring the gears mesh silently and smoothly even under the stress of heavy lures or hard-fighting fish.

3. Clutch Mechanism: Apply a small amount of grease to the pinion yoke and the kick lever assembly to ensure the thumb-bar engagement is crisp.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Idler System

On the C3 series, the levelwind remains engaged during the cast. Any mechanical resistance in this system will act as a brake on the spool, shortening 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 nylon idler gear that connects the spool’s rotation to the levelwind system.

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; oil has a much lower viscosity, allowing the levelwind and idler gears to oscillate rapidly during the cast with minimal drag.

Phase 4: Bearings and Spool Spindle

1. Spool Bearings: Locate the two stainless steel spool bearings. One is housed in the side plate tension knob, and the other is in the opposite side plate.

2. Lubrication: Clean the bearings of any old lubricant. Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing. This high-performance oil ensures maximum spool RPMs for long-distance casting.

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. Do not grease this 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. Close the Frame: Reattach the side plate to the frame and tighten the thumb screws.

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

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

Final Function Check

Engage the thumb bar to verify the reel enters free-spool mode. 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 heavy-duty gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler gears ensures your Ambassadeur 4600KC3 (08-00) is optimized for peak performance.