Ambassadeur USABASS 4600C 0301

Overhaul Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur USABASS 4600C (Foot Number 0301)

The Ambassadeur USABASS 4600C (0301) is a specialized "Thumb Bar" model produced in January 2003. This series was a tribute to the American bass angler, featuring a narrow spool and a high-speed retrieve ($6.3:1$ or $5.3:1$ depending on the specific gear set) that made it ideal for casting accuracy and rapid lure recovery.

The "0301" designation indicates this model features the Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR) system and the Ultracast spool design, where the bearings are located inside the spool. To maintain its status as a precision bass tool, it requires specific lubrication to ensure the IAR doesn't slip and the spool maintains its low-inertia start-up.

Tools and Lubricants Required

• Screwdrivers: Precision flathead and a small Phillips.

• Wrench: 10mm for the handle nut.

• Cleaning Solvent: Isopropyl alcohol or a professional-grade degreaser.

• Grease: Deuthlon Reel Gear Grease.

• Oil: Deuthlon Reel Oil (Cast Lube).

1. External Disassembly

1. Handle Side: Remove the handle nut locking screw, the 10mm nut, and the handle. Remove the star drag and the spring washers.

2. Side Plate: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws. Carefully pull the right-side plate away from the frame.

3. The IAR Sleeve: Slide the polished stainless steel sleeve off the drive shaft. This sleeve is the contact point for the IAR bearing inside the side plate; it must be kept free of grit and heavy grease.

4. Spool Removal: Slide the spool out. Notice the Ultracast configuration: the ball bearings are seated inside the spool ends. Check the centrifugal brake blocks on the spool pins to ensure they move freely.

2. Internal Mechanical Overhaul

The 2003 models feature a refined plastic-and-metal clutch linkage that can become "sticky" if old grease is not removed.

• The Gear Stack: Remove the main gear and the drag stack. The USABASS 4600C uses a multi-disc drag. Clean the metal "keyed" washers until they are mirror-bright. If the drag performance is inconsistent, consider a Carbontex upgrade.

• The IAR Bearing: Located inside the handle side plate. Use a cotton swab dampened with alcohol to clean the internal rollers. CRITICAL: Never pack this bearing with grease. Grease will cause the anti-reverse to fail, especially in cold weather.

• Level Wind: Disassemble the worm gear and pawl. Because the 4600C level wind is non-disengaging (it moves during the cast), any debris here acts as a physical brake, significantly shortening your casting distance.

3. Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

Modernizing the lubrication profile allows this 20-year-old reel to compete with current high-end low-profile reels.

Deuthlon Reel Gear Grease:

• Main and Pinion Gears: Apply a light, translucent coat to the gear teeth. Deuthlon Reel Gear Grease is ideal for high-speed bass reels because it dampens vibration and ensures a silent retrieve even under heavy lure resistance.

• Clutch Linkage: Apply grease to the thumb bar mechanism and the sliding surfaces of the yoke.

• Yoke Posts: Lightly coat the two posts the pinion yoke slides on for effortless thumb-bar engagement.

Deuthlon Reel Oil (Cast Lube):

• Ultracast Spool Bearings: Clean the two bearings inside the spool and apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each. This oil’s ultra-low viscosity is essential for a narrow-spool reel, allowing it to throw light lures like weightless worms or small crankbaits with ease.

• IAR Sleeve: Apply an extremely thin film of oil to the outside of the sleeve. This protects against corrosion while ensuring the IAR rollers "bite" the sleeve instantly.

• Worm Shaft: Apply one drop to the worm gear. Using oil instead of grease on the level wind is a major performance upgrade for the 4600C.

4. Reassembly and Calibration

1. Level Wind: Reinstall the worm shaft and line guide. Ensure the pawl is seated correctly in the diamond-cut grooves.

2. Internal Assembly: Replace the pinion gear, yoke, and main gear assembly. Ensure the drag washers are seated perfectly flat.

3. Sleeve and Plate: Slide the IAR sleeve onto the drive shaft. Align the side plate and slide it over the sleeve.

4. Final Fastening: Secure the three thumb screws. Reinstall the star drag and handle.

5. Tensioning: Adjust the cast control knob until the side-to-side play in the spool just barely disappears.

Technical Performance Note

The Ambassadeur USABASS 4600C (0301) is a testament to the "round reel" era of bass fishing. By using Deuthlon Reel Gear Grease and Deuthlon Cast Lube, you are removing the internal friction that usually slows down older models. This maintenance routine ensures your USABASS remains a crisp, fast-casting tool that provides the iconic "solid" feel of a Swedish-made Ambassadeur.