Ambassadeur 5501Cl3 (08-00)

Technical Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5501CL3 (08-00)

The Ambassadeur 5501CL3 (08-00) is a high-performance, left-hand retrieve round reel known for its robust three-bearing system and reliable synchronized levelwind. This specific iteration (08-00) is built to provide a balanced blend of casting distance and high-torque retrieval. To maintain its structural integrity and ensure the drive train remains butter-smooth, a systematic teardown and a precision lubrication regimen are necessary.

Step 1: Disassembly and Internal Inspection

Proper maintenance begins with a clean workspace and a controlled breakdown to ensure all old, contaminated lubricants are removed from the precision components.

1. Side Plate Removal: Loosen the three captive thumb screws on the left-hand (handle) side plate. Carefully pull the plate assembly away from the frame to reveal the internal drive housing.

2. Spool Extraction: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the spool shaft and the integrated ball bearings. For the CL3 series, ensuring these bearings are free of grit is the most significant factor in preserving casting efficiency.

3. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, star drag, and the tension washers. Lift the gear cover to expose the heavy-duty brass main gear and the stainless steel pinion gear.

4. Cleaning Protocol: Submerge the gears, worm shaft, and drive shaft in a high-quality solvent or dedicated reel cleaner. Use a soft brush to ensure no old residue remains in the gear teeth. Dry all components completely before re-lubricating.

Step 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To restore the 5501CL3 to peak performance, we recommend using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil. These specialized synthetics provide a superior film strength that stays on the components even under the stress of fighting heavy fish.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Grease:

• Main Drive Gear: Apply a light, uniform coating of grease to the teeth of the brass drive gear. This provides the necessary cushion to prevent gear "chatter" and ensures a silent, powerful retrieve.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth and the yoke contact surfaces. Proper lubrication here is essential for preventing wear and ensuring the reel engages crisply when the handle is turned.

• Clutch Linkage: Apply a micro-layer of grease to the sliding metal surfaces of the kick lever and release sliders to ensure the thumb bar operates with a positive, tactile click.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Oil:

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply two drops of oil to the spiral worm shaft. Since the levelwind is constantly oscillating during both the cast and retrieve, oil offers the low-viscosity protection needed to prevent drag and wear on the pawl.

• Idler Gears: These plastic gears link the spool's rotation to the line-lay system. Using oil here instead of grease keeps the internal rotational inertia low, which is vital for maintaining the casting efficiency of the CL3 series.

• Spool Bearings: Flush the bearings thoroughly and apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon oil to each. This thin film allows the spool to reach high RPMs without the "fluid drag" associated with heavier lubricants.

Step 3: Reassembly and Operational Testing

1. Seat the Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the shaft is properly aligned with the non-handle side bearing.

2. Housing Alignment: Position the side plate over the frame, ensuring the pinion gear seats over the spool shaft correctly. Hand-tighten the thumb screws in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure.

3. Check the Oscillation: Rotate the handle to verify that the levelwind tracks smoothly and evenly 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 to eliminate spool side-play, allowing the 5501CL3 to handle the rotational load with maximum efficiency.

Maintenance Quick Reference