Ambassadeur 5500C 22 00

Professional Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5500C (Model 22 00)

The Ambassadeur 5500C (Model 22 00) is a modern refinement of the legendary Swedish round reel, engineered with tighter tolerances and advanced materials compared to its predecessors. This iteration demands precision maintenance to ensure the high-grade brass and stainless steel components operate at peak efficiency. To maintain its signature "buttery" retrieve and exceptional casting physics, a comprehensive service using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil is the professional standard. These lubricants provide superior film strength, ensuring that the 22 00 remains a high-performance tool for years of heavy use.

Phase 1: Systematic Teardown and Cleaning

To achieve a factory-grade repair, you must first eliminate all environmental contaminants and old, oxidized factory lubricants.

1. Chassis Opening: Loosen the three knurled captive thumb screws on the handle-side plate. Pull the assembly away and remove the spool. Inspect the internal brake track for any debris or oil film.

2. Drive Train Extraction: Remove the handle nut, handle, and star drag. Lift the side plate cover to expose the main gear and the Carbon Matrix drag system.

3. Levelwind Disassembly: Remove the line guide nut and the internal pawl. Slide the worm shaft out from the front of the frame.

4. Cleaning Protocol: Submerge all metal gears, the worm shaft, and the drive shaft in a high-grade solvent. Use a soft brush to clear the gear teeth of any microscopic metal shavings. Ensure all parts are bone-dry before introducing Deuthlon products.

Phase 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

Optimal performance is achieved through a dual-viscosity strategy: Deuthlon Reel Grease for mechanical protection and Deuthlon Reel Oil for rotational speed.

Grease: Protection for Power and Torque

The internal drive train handles significant mechanical stress and requires the high-load capacity of Deuthlon Reel Grease.

• Main Gear Teeth: Apply a light, even coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease to every tooth of the main gear. This grease is formulated to stay bonded to the metal under high pressure, providing a silent retrieve and preventing tooth wear.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the pinion gear extensively. As the primary component that engages the spool shaft, Deuthlon Grease ensures this transition is smooth and reduces mechanical vibration.

• Clutch and Yoke: Apply a small amount of grease to the metal sliding surfaces of the yoke and kick lever to ensure the thumb bar returns to the engaged position with a crisp, reliable snap.

Oil: Velocity and Efficiency for Casting

Components that rotate at high RPMs or synchronize the spool require the ultra-low friction of Deuthlon Reel Oil.

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply two drops of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the worm shaft. Since the 5500C features a synchronized levelwind that remains active during the cast, using oil here is the best way to eliminate parasitic drag and increase distance.

• Idler Gears: These gears connect the spool to the levelwind mechanism. Apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the idler gear posts. This reduces the energy required to turn the system, resulting in faster spool startup.

• Spool Bearings: Clean the bearings thoroughly and add one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each. This provides high-RPM stability, protecting the bearings while maintaining peak rotational speed.

Phase 3: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Rebuild the Gear Stack: Place the main gear and drag washers back onto the drive shaft. Ensure the washers are dry and the main gear is seated perfectly flat.

2. Integrate the Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the centrifugal brake weights are retracted so the side plate sits flush.

3. Secure the Housing: Tighten the thumb screws in a staggered pattern to ensure the gear bridge is perfectly level.

4. Operational Test: Crank the handle to distribute the Deuthlon Reel Grease. The retrieve should be quiet and smooth. Engage the freespool to confirm that the Deuthlon Reel Oil has significantly increased the spool’s spin duration.

22 00 Lubrication Quick Reference