Ambassadeur 5500C3 (99-07)

Maintenance Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5500C3 (Model 99-07)

The Ambassadeur 5500C3 (99-07) is a quintessential Swedish-built baitcaster that utilizes the "Ultracast" fixed-axle system. During the 99-07 production cycle, Abu Garcia focused on balancing durability with casting efficiency. To preserve the mechanical integrity of this model, a systematic service using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil is essential. Proper lubrication not only improves the "feel" of the retrieve but also prevents the corrosive wear that can occur in the gear box and levelwind assembly.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Cleaning Procedure

The 99-07 requires a clean internal environment to function at its peak. Old, hardened lubricants can increase casting resistance and lead to gear noise.

1. Remove the Drive Side Plate: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws on the right side. Gently pull the plate away to reveal the spool and the internal gear bridge.

2. Spool and Bearing Access: Slide the spool off the fixed shaft. In this model, the bearings are located within the spool hubs. Remove the retaining clips to access the bearings for cleaning.

3. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, star drag, and the side plate shield. Lift the main gear and the carbon drag stack from the drive shaft.

4. Degreasing: Submerge the metal gears and the worm shaft in a degreasing agent. Use a brush to ensure all old debris is cleared from the base of the gear teeth. Dry all components thoroughly before applying Deuthlon products.

Phase 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

Optimal performance is achieved by matching the lubricant viscosity to the mechanical function of the part. We recommend Deuthlon Reel Grease for heavy-wear gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil for fast-moving components.

Grease: Power and Wear Resistance

The 99-07’s drive train handles significant torque and requires the high-pressure additives found in Deuthlon Reel Grease.

• Main Gear Teeth: Apply a light, even film of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the main gear. This grease is designed to stay on the gear faces rather than being slung off during high-speed retrieves, ensuring constant protection.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the pinion gear—specifically the teeth and the area where it engages the spool. Deuthlon Grease provides a "silent" mesh that eliminates the vibration common in older round reels.

• Clutch and Yoke: Lightly grease the metal sliding surfaces of the yoke and the kick lever. This ensures the thumb bar operation remains crisp and responsive.

Oil: Casting Velocity and Synchronization

Components that rotate during the cast require the ultra-low friction of Deuthlon Reel Oil.

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply two drops of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the worm shaft. Because the 5500C3 features a synchronized levelwind that moves during the cast, oil is superior to grease here; it allows the line guide to travel back and forth with zero "drag" on the spool.

• Idler Gears: These plastic gears connect the spool to the levelwind mechanism. Apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the idler gear posts. This reduces the rotational inertia of the reel, leading to longer, more accurate casts.

• Spool Bearings: After cleaning and drying the bearings, apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each. This provides the high-speed lubrication necessary for the Ultracast system to reach its maximum RPM.

Phase 3: Reassembly and Function Testing

1. Rebuild the Gear Stack: Place the main gear and drag washers back onto the drive shaft. Ensure the washers are dry and free of excess grease for maximum stopping power.

2. Seal the Frame: Slide the spool back into the frame and secure the side plate. Tighten the thumb screws in a cross-pattern to ensure the side plate sits flush against the frame.

3. Mechanical Adjustment: Turn the tension knob until the spool has minimal side-play. Engage the thumb bar and verify that the spool spins freely.

4. Retrieval Check: Turn the handle to distribute the Deuthlon Reel Grease. You should notice an immediate improvement in the smoothness and silence of the drive train.

Technical Lubrication Guide

By consistently using Deuthlon Reel Oil and Reel Grease, you protect the Swedish craftsmanship of your Ambassadeur 5500C3 (99-07), ensuring it remains a high-performance tool for years of heavy use.