Ambassadeur 5500Da (79-10-00)

Ambassadeur 5500DA (79-10-00) Professional Maintenance and Repair Guide

The Ambassadeur 5500DA (79-10-00) is a vintage masterpiece of Swedish engineering. The "DA" stands for "Direct Drive," a simplified and incredibly durable system favored by anglers who appreciate mechanical purity. This 1979 production model (79-10-00) is built around a heavy-duty brass drive train and a synchronized levelwind system. Because this reel lacks the modern Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR) bearing, it relies on a mechanical dog-and-ratchet system that requires specific lubrication to remain quiet and reliable.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Vintage Inspection

To begin the overhaul, remove the handle nut and star drag, then back off the side plate screws. For a reel from the late 70s, inspecting the integrity of the vintage metal is the first priority.

• The Main Drive System: Extract the brass main gear. Check for "pitting" or signs of heavy oxidation on the gear teeth. Since the 5500DA is often a multi-generational heirloom, ensure the drive shaft is straight and free of burrs.

• The Mechanical Anti-Reverse: Inspect the anti-reverse dog. The copper "ears" must have enough tension to grip the drive shaft without being so tight that they cause excessive handle drag.

• The Levelwind Assembly: In the 79-10-00 series, the line guide moves during the cast. Remove the pawl and check the crescent edges for wear; if the pawl is sharp, it will track smoothly, but if it's flat, the line will pile up.

Phase 2: Systematic Cleaning

Decades of old grease can turn into a hard, shellac-like substance. Use a high-quality solvent to strip every component.

1. Degrease the Gears: Soak the main and pinion gears to remove all legacy lubricants.

2. Scrub the Synchronization System: Use a soft brush to clean the idler gears (the plastic cogs that bridge the spool to the levelwind).

3. Worm Gear Tube: Ensure the interior of the worm gear shroud is free of grit. Even a microscopic grain of sand here can cause the line guide to jump during a cast.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication with Deuthlon

To restore the legendary "Swedish feel" to this 1979 classic, we recommend the application of Deuthlon Reel Oil and Deuthlon Reel Grease. These modern synthetics offer far better protection and lower friction than the original factory oils of the 70s.

Low-Friction Oiling: Levelwind and Idler Gears

In a synchronized reel, the oscillation system is the primary source of casting drag.

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the worm gear. This oil provides a high-speed, hydrophobic film that allows the line guide to travel back and forth with zero hesitation, significantly improving your casting distance.

• Idler Gears: Lubricate the plastic idler gears with Deuthlon Reel Oil. Using oil instead of grease on these gears keeps the rotational weight low, allowing the spool to spin up much faster during the cast.

High-Pressure Greasing: Main and Pinion Gears

The gears responsible for the retrieve bear the mechanical load and require a robust, vibration-dampening barrier.

• Main and Pinion Gears: Use a small brush to apply a consistent layer of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the gear teeth. This grease cushions the metal-on-metal contact, preventing "gear growl" and protecting the brass from wear under the pressure of a big fish.

• Anti-Reverse Dog and Ratchet: Apply a light skin of grease to the anti-reverse mechanism. This ensures it engages silently and prevents the metal-on-metal "clacking" that can occur if the system is left dry.

Maintenance Reference Table

Phase 4: Final Reassembly and Calibration

Reassemble the Ambassadeur 5500DA (79-10-00), ensuring the pinion gear is correctly seated in the yoke. When reattaching the side plate, ensure the copper ears of the anti-reverse dog are correctly positioned around the drive shaft. Once the reel is closed, cycle the handle several times to distribute the Deuthlon Reel Grease. You will notice an immediate improvement in the mechanical smoothness. Proper maintenance with high-quality lubricants ensures this vintage icon remains a functional part of your fishing arsenal for another forty years.