Ambassadeur 5501C3 (91-0)

Technical Restoration Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5501C3 (91-0)

The Ambassadeur 5501C3 (91-0) is a seminal model in the history of left-hand retrieve round reels. Released in the early 1990s, this version solidified the "C3" as the gold standard for performance. It features the Ultra Cast design—where the bearings are housed inside the spool, spinning around a fixed shaft—and a classic three-bearing system. To maintain a (91-0) model, you must use high-performance synthetics to protect its vintage brass gears and ensure the high-speed spool system remains efficient.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Vintage Care

Because the 91-0 model is over 30 years old, care must be taken with the side plate screws and internal clips to avoid fatigue or stripping.

1. Removing the Side Plate: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws on the left-hand (handle) side. Carefully pull the plate assembly away from the frame.

2. Spool and Centrifugal Brakes: Slide the spool out of the frame. You will see two small brake weights (blocks) on a plastic carrier. Ensure these move freely on their pins. Clean any oil residue from the brass brake drum inside the frame.

3. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle assembly, star drag, and the copper tension shims. Lift the side plate cover to expose the heavy-duty brass main gear and the stainless steel pinion yoke.

4. Deep Cleaning: Submerge the gears, worm shaft, and drive shaft in a high-quality solvent. Use a soft brush to remove decades of potential grease buildup. Warning: Do not soak plastic idler gears in harsh solvents for long periods. Dry all components completely.

Phase 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

Modern synthetics like Deuthlon provide vastly superior protection and speed compared to the petroleum-based lubricants available in 1991.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Grease:

• Main Drive Gear: Apply a light, uniform coating of grease to the teeth of the brass drive gear. This provides a durable cushion that protects the vintage teeth from wear and ensures a silent, powerful retrieve.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth of the pinion and the yoke contact points. Proper lubrication here is essential for preventing the "notchy" feel often found in older reels and ensures crisp engagement.

• Release Mechanism: Apply a micro-layer of grease to the metal-on-metal sliding surfaces of the kick lever to ensure the thumb bar operates with its original mechanical precision.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Oil:

• Levelwind Worm Shaft: Apply two drops of oil to the spiral worm gear. The levelwind on the 5501C3 is always engaged during the cast; using oil instead of grease keeps the line guide moving with zero resistance.

• Idler Gears: These gears link the spool's rotation to the line-lay system. A light film of oil keeps the internal friction low and prevents the plastic gears from becoming brittle over time.

• Spool Bearings: Since this is an Ultra Cast spool, the bearings are inside the spool. Flush them thoroughly and apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon oil to each. This maximizes RPM for long-distance casting.

Phase 3: Reassembly and Testing

1. Seat the Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the centrifugal brake weights are seated correctly on their pins so they don't fly off during the first cast.

2. Align the Side Plate: Position the side plate over the frame, ensuring the pinion gear aligns with the spool shaft. Tighten the thumb screws snugly by hand.

3. Check the Oscillation: Rotate the handle to verify that the levelwind tracks smoothly across the front of the reel.

4. Final Spin Test: Disengage the thumb bar. The spool should spin silently and freely. Adjust the mechanical tension knob on the side plate to eliminate side-play, allowing the vintage 91-0 bearings to operate with maximum efficiency.

Maintenance Reference Summary