Ambassadeur 5500C Syncro (89-0)

Comprehensive Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5500C Syncro (Model 89-0)

The Ambassadeur 5500C Syncro (89-0) is a fascinating piece of Swedish engineering, featuring the unique "Syncro" drag system. This specialized mechanism allows the angler to reduce drag pressure by 50% simply by cranking the handle backward 1/4 turn—a revolutionary feature for fighting fish on light lines. Because the Syncro system involves additional moving parts within the handle and drive assembly, using high-performance Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil is critical for maintaining the precise calibration of the shifting drag.

Phase 1: Teardown and Cleaning the Syncro Drive

The 89-0 model requires extra attention during disassembly due to the specific springs and washers that govern the Syncro function.

1. Side Plate Removal: Unscrew the three thumb screws and remove the handle-side plate. Note that the Syncro mechanism is integrated into the drive shaft and handle assembly.

2. Syncro Stack Disassembly: Remove the handle nut and handle. Underneath, you will find the Syncro pressure plate and the drag star. Carefully arrange these in the order they were removed; the orientation of the Belleville washers (tension washers) is vital for the drag's "toggle" effect.

3. Drive Train Extraction: Lift the main gear and the drag stack. In the 89-0, the main gear must be perfectly clean to allow the Syncro plates to slide and engage without sticking.

4. Degreasing: Use a high-quality solvent to strip all old lubricants. Ensure the teeth of the gears and the faces of the drag pressure plates are free of any gummy residue. Dry all parts thoroughly before applying Deuthlon products.

Phase 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To keep the Syncro transition smooth and the retrieve effortless, we recommend the high-tack protection of Deuthlon Reel Grease and the high-speed fluidity of Deuthlon Reel Oil.

Grease: Protecting the Shifting Mechanism

The heavy-load areas and the sliding parts of the Syncro system require Deuthlon Reel Grease.

• Main Gear and Pinion Gear: Apply a light, even coat of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth. This grease features advanced additives that prevent metal-on-metal wear, ensuring that the 89-0 maintains its smooth cranking feel even under the high pressure of a trophy fish.

• Syncro Shifting Plates: Apply a very thin film of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the surfaces where the Syncro plates interact. This ensures that when you back-reel to reduce drag, the movement is instantaneous and doesn't "bind."

• Clutch Linkage: Grease the yoke and kick lever to maintain a crisp engagement of the thumb bar.

Oil: Enhancing Levelwind and Casting Speed

For parts that govern the cast and the oscillation of the line guide, Deuthlon Reel Oil provides the lowest possible resistance.

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply two drops of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the worm shaft. Since the Syncro 5500C has a synchronized levelwind, reducing friction here is the most effective way to increase your casting distance.

• Idler Gears: These gears drive the line guide. Apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the idler gear posts. This minimizes the energy loss during the cast, allowing for smoother, longer launches.

• Spool Bearings and Axle: Clean the bearings and apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil. This oil is specifically engineered to maintain a stable film at high RPMs, protecting your bearings during long casts.

Phase 3: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Rebuild the Drive Stack: Place the main gear and drag washers back on the shaft. When reinstalling the Syncro handle assembly, ensure the tension washers are "opposed" (looking like () rather than (( ) to provide the correct spring tension.

2. Side Plate Attachment: Slide the side plate back onto the frame and secure the thumb screws.

3. Syncro Test: Tighten the drag star. Crank forward to engage full drag, then crank backward slightly. You should feel a distinct "click" or transition as the pressure drops, facilitated by the slickness of the Deuthlon Reel Grease.

4. Final Check: Verify that the levelwind tracks smoothly across the frame, powered by the Deuthlon Reel Oil.

89-0 Maintenance Reference Table

By choosing Deuthlon Reel Oil and Reel Grease, you are providing your Ambassadeur 5500C Syncro (89-0) with the highest level of protection available, ensuring this unique piece of fishing history continues to perform flawlessly.