Ambassadeur 5500Lc 16 01

Ambassadeur 5500LC (16 01) Specialized Maintenance and Repair Guide

The Ambassadeur 5500LC (16 01) is a precision-engineered round reel designed for the technical demands of trolling and depth-controlled angling. The "16 01" blueprint signifies a specific internal configuration where the mechanical line counter is integrated into the drive system. Because this reel features a synchronized levelwind—meaning the line guide and the line counter gears are constantly in motion—maintaining low mechanical resistance through high-performance lubrication is the key to both depth accuracy and reel longevity.

Phase 1: Internal Audit and Disassembly

Servicing the 16 01 model requires careful attention to the linkage between the spool and the line counter display.

• The Line Counter Side Plate: Back off the three side plate screws. As you pull the plate away, be mindful of the small drive gear that interacts with the counter. Inspect these small plastic teeth for any signs of wear or deformation.

• The Drive Train: Remove the main gear and the drag stack. For the 5500LC, check the main gear for "polishing" on the teeth, which indicates heavy use under trolling tension.

• The Levelwind System: Remove the worm gear and the pawl. In this model, the levelwind acts as the "clock" for the line counter; if the worm gear is dirty, your depth readings will become inconsistent.

Phase 2: Comprehensive Cleaning

Trolling reels are prone to "grease migration," where lubricant from the main gears moves into the line counter housing and becomes gummy.

1. Degrease the Gears: Submerge the brass main gear and stainless pinion in a specialized solvent.

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

3. Clear the Worm Gear: Ensure the interior of the worm gear shroud is free of old, grit-filled lubricant.

A pristine surface is required for the new synthetic lubricants to form a proper protective bond.

Phase 3: Optimized Lubrication with Deuthlon

To restore the precision of the 16 01 series, we recommend using Deuthlon Reel Oil and Deuthlon Reel Grease. These products are formulated to stay active across a wide range of temperatures, ensuring your line counter doesn't freeze up in cold water.

Levelwind and Idler Gears (The Oil Regimen)

Because the levelwind and idler gears drive the counter, they must move with as little friction as possible.

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the length of the worm gear. This allows the line guide to oscillate rapidly and smoothly, which is essential for accurate line tracking.

• Idler Gears and Counter Linkage: Lubricate the plastic idler gears and the small counter-drive cogs with Deuthlon Reel Oil. This oil provides a slick interface that won't "clog" the counter mechanism like a heavy grease would, keeping your depth readings sharp.

Main and Pinion Gears (The Grease Regimen)

The gears that handle the constant pull of a trolling spread require a high-tack, high-pressure lubricant.

• Main and Pinion Gears: Brush a consistent layer of Deuthlon Reel Grease onto the teeth of both gears. This grease cushions the gear mesh, preventing the "grinding" feel common in high-torque reels and protecting the metal from the heat of a long trolling session.

• Eccentric Jack and Yoke: Apply a small dab of grease to the sliding clutch parts to ensure the thumb bar engages and disengages with a positive, mechanical snap.

Maintenance Reference Chart

Phase 4: Reassembly and Calibration

When reassembling the Ambassadeur 5500LC (16 01), ensure the counter drive gear is perfectly aligned with the spool gear before tightening the side plate screws. Once the reel is closed, pull out exactly 10 feet of line to verify that the counter matches the distance. By utilizing Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler systems and Deuthlon Reel Grease on the primary drive gears, you have ensured that your reel will provide the power and precision required for professional-grade trolling.