Ambassadeur 5501Cs Pro Rocket 18 01

Technical Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5501CS Pro Rocket (18 01)

The Ambassadeur 5501CS Pro Rocket (18 01) is a left-hand drive powerhouse, specifically engineered for extreme casting distance and high-torque retrieves. As a member of the "Rocket" family, it features a heavy-duty brass frame and a high-speed synchronized levelwind system. To maintain the 18 01 model's legendary performance, a specialized maintenance routine is required to protect the precision-cut gear teeth and the high-performance bearing races.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Internal Inspection

Proper service of a Pro Rocket requires a systematic approach to ensure all old lubricants and environmental contaminants are removed from the drive housing.

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

2. Spool and Centrifugal Brakes: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the six-pin centrifugal brake system. Ensure the brake weights move freely; any oil or grease on the brake drum will reduce the braking effectiveness and cause overruns.

3. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, star drag, and the tension washers. Lift the gear cover to expose the main gear, pinion yoke, and the drag stack.

4. Cleaning Protocol: Submerge the brass main gear, stainless steel pinion gear, and the worm shaft in a high-quality solvent. Use a soft brush to ensure the gear valleys are spotless. Dry all components completely before re-lubricating.

Phase 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To keep the 5501CS Pro Rocket running with a "factory-new" feel, we recommend using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil. These specialized products provide a superior film strength that stays on the gears even under the high-stress loads of long-distance casting.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Grease:

• Main Drive Gear: Apply a light, uniform coating of grease to the teeth of the brass main gear. This provides the necessary cushion to prevent metal fatigue and ensures a silent, powerful retrieve under the load of heavy lures.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth of the pinion gear and the internal slot where it interfaces with the spool shaft. 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 mechanism to maintain a crisp, tactile thumb-bar response.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Oil:

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply two drops of oil to the spiral worm gear. Since the levelwind on the Rocket is synchronized and moves during the cast, oil offers the low-viscosity protection needed to maximize casting distance.

• Idler Gears: These plastic gears drive the oscillation system. Using oil here instead of grease keeps the internal rotational inertia low, which is vital for the 5501CS’s high-speed efficiency.

• Spool Bearings: Flush the bearings thoroughly and apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon oil to each. This thin film provides high-speed protection without the "clogging" effect of heavier oils.

Phase 3: Reassembly and Operational Testing

1. Seat the Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the centrifugal brake pins are seated correctly.

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 Pro Rocket system to handle the rotational load with peak efficiency.

Maintenance Reference Table