Ambassadeur 5500Lc 16 00

Ambassadeur 5500LC (16 00) Comprehensive Repair and Maintenance Manual

The Ambassadeur 5500LC (16 00) is a specialized trolling reel that combines the classic Swedish "round reel" architecture with a mechanical line counter. The "16 00" production run is a robust iteration of this series, featuring a synchronized levelwind system where the line guide and the counter drive gears are constantly engaged. Because this model relies on mechanical cogs to track depth, any internal friction or debris can lead to inaccurate readings and gear binding. A systematic service utilizing specialized lubricants is required to maintain its precision.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Depth-System Inspection

To service the 5500LC, you must carefully navigate the interface between the spool and the line counter display housed in the side plate.

• The Gear Plate: Remove the handle, star drag, and side plate screws. When pulling the plate away, watch for the counter drive gear. Inspect this small gear for missing teeth or warped plastic, which are common causes of depth-reading errors.

• The Main Drive: Extract the main gear and the drag stack. For the 16 00 model, look for "grease glazing" on the drag washers, which can happen after long periods of trolling under high tension.

• The Levelwind Assembly: Remove the pawl and the worm gear. In a line counter model, the levelwind is essentially the "tachometer" for the counter; if the worm gear is gummed up, the counter will provide erratic measurements.

Phase 2: Systematic Cleaning of Trolling Components

Trolling reels are subject to "internal rain"—the process where water traveling up the fishing line enters the levelwind and migrates into the frame.

1. Strip Old Lubricants: Use a high-quality solvent to remove oxidized grease from the main and pinion gears.

2. Clean the Synchronization Gears: Carefully scrub the idler gears (the plastic cogs that bridge the spool to the levelwind).

3. Purge the Counter Linkage: Ensure the small gears leading to the counter display are free of grit. A clean environment in these small gears is the only way to ensure the line counter reset button functions without sticking.

Phase 3: Targeted Lubrication with Deuthlon

To restore the mechanical integrity of the 16 00 series, we recommend a dual-lubricant strategy using Deuthlon Reel Oil and Deuthlon Reel Grease. These products are designed to maintain their viscosity in the wet, varying temperatures typical of trolling environments.

Precision Oiling: Levelwind and Idler Gears

In a synchronized system, low startup inertia is vital for accuracy.

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the worm gear. This oil provides a high-speed, hydrophobic film that prevents the line guide from lagging, ensuring the counter tracks every inch of line payout.

• Idler and Counter Gears: Lubricate the plastic idler gears and the small counter drive wheels with Deuthlon Reel Oil. This keeps the mechanical linkage light and responsive, preventing the "depth drift" caused by heavy, tacky greases.

Heavy-Duty Greasing: Main and Pinion Gears

The primary drive gears on a trolling reel handle constant, non-stop pressure.

• Main and Pinion Gears: Use a brush to apply an even layer of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the gear teeth. This grease is formulated to resist "squeeze-out" and moisture intrusion, providing a durable cushion that protects the brass and steel from friction-induced heat.

• Clutch Mechanism: Apply a light coat of grease to the yoke and the sliding surfaces of the thumb bar to ensure smooth and reliable engagement when dropping lures into the strike zone.

Technical Maintenance Reference

Phase 4: Final Reassembly and Testing

Reassemble the Ambassadeur 5500LC (16 00), ensuring the counter gears are properly meshed with the spool drive before tightening the side plate screws. Once closed, cycle the handle to distribute the Deuthlon Reel Grease across the main gear. Test the line counter by pulling a measured distance of line to ensure the display tracks smoothly. By utilizing Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler systems and Deuthlon Reel Grease on the primary drive, you have maximized the accuracy and service life of your trolling gear.