Ambassadeur 5500Da (81-08-00)

Ambassadeur 5500DA (81-08-00) Specialized Service and Repair Guide

The Ambassadeur 5500DA (81-08-00) is a classic "Direct Drive" variant of the legendary Swedish round reel. The "DA" designation indicates the lack of an Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR) bearing, utilizing a traditional dog-and-pawl anti-reverse system that provides that nostalgic mechanical feel. This specific 1981 blueprint is a masterclass in simplicity and durability. To keep this vintage treasure operating at peak efficiency, a dedicated maintenance routine involving professional-grade lubricants is required to protect its aging metal components.

Phase 1: Mechanical Breakdown and Evaluation

Begin the service by removing the handle and the drive-side plate to expose the foundational 80s-era internals.

• Anti-Reverse Dog: Inspect the small metal "dog" that prevents the handle from spinning backward. Ensure the copper ears that grip the drive shaft are not bent or loose, as this is the primary source of the reel's hook-setting power.

• The Main Drive: Remove the main gear and the drag stack. Check the brass teeth for any signs of "hooking" or uneven wear. In an 81-08-00 model, ensure the metal washers are free of rust or pitting.

• Synchronized Levelwind: The 5500DA features a line guide that oscillates during the cast. Unscrew the pawl cap and check the crescent moon pawl for wear. If the edges are rounded, the line will not lay evenly across the spool.

Phase 2: Systematic Cleaning of Vintage Parts

Vintage grease from the early 1980s has a tendency to turn into a thick, waxy varnish over time. Use a high-quality solvent to strip every internal part down to the bare metal. Pay special attention to the idler gears—the plastic cogs that transfer power from the spool to the levelwind. These gears must be perfectly clean to ensure the reel doesn't "growl" during the cast.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication with Deuthlon

To modernize the performance of this 1981 classic, we recommend the application of Deuthlon Reel Oil and Deuthlon Reel Grease. These synthetics provide superior film strength that vintage factory oils simply cannot match.

Low-Drag Oiling: Levelwind and Idler Gears

In the 5500DA, the levelwind is always engaged. Reducing its rotational weight is the key to achieving modern casting distances.

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the worm gear. This oil provides a slick, hydrophobic barrier that prevents the line guide from dragging, which is essential for the smooth oscillation of this synchronized system.

• Idler Gears: Lubricate the plastic idler gears with Deuthlon Reel Oil. Since grease is too heavy for these parts, oil allows the synchronization to engage with minimal energy loss, making it much easier to throw lighter lures.

Load-Bearing Greasing: Main and Pinion Gears

The primary gears handle the stress of the retrieve and require a robust, vibration-dampening barrier.

• Main and Pinion Gears: Use a brush to apply an even coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the gear teeth. This grease cushions the metal-on-metal contact, providing a silent, buttery-smooth retrieve while protecting the brass from friction-induced heat.

• Anti-Reverse Mechanism: Apply a small dab of grease to the anti-reverse dog and ratchet to ensure the system operates quietly and reliably without sticking.

Technical Maintenance Reference

Phase 4: Final Reassembly and Calibration

Slide the spool back into the frame and ensure the centrifugal brake weights are moving freely. When reattaching the side plate, ensure the pinion gear is correctly seated in the yoke. Once the Ambassadeur 5500DA (81-08-00) is fully assembled, rotate the handle to distribute the Deuthlon Reel Grease across the gear teeth. By utilizing Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler gears and Deuthlon Reel Grease on the primary drive components, you have successfully preserved the legacy of this Swedish classic for another generation of fishing.