Ambassadeur 5600A (80-05-00)

Restoration and Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600A (80-05-00)

The Ambassadeur 5600A (80-05-00) is a vintage masterpiece from the early 1980s, distinguished by its "All-Light" design philosophy and the classic palming side plate. This specific (80-05-00) configuration features a high-speed gear ratio and a simplified, weight-reduced frame. To maintain the mechanical integrity of this forty-year-old reel, a methodical teardown and the use of modern synthetic lubricants are required to protect its classic brass and aluminum components.

Step 1: Systematic Disassembly and Vintage Care

Because this reel utilizes vintage-spec screws and aluminum threads, it is essential to use properly sized drivers to avoid marring the collector-grade finish.

1. Removing the Right Side Plate: Loosen the three captive thumb screws. These are designed to stay attached to the side plate. Carefully pull the handle assembly away from the frame to reveal the spool.

2. Spool and Brake Weights: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the two-pin centrifugal braking system. On this 1980 model, ensures the brake blocks are present and the pins are free of oxidation or salt buildup.

3. Drive Train Access: Remove the handle nut, handle, and the star drag. Note the sequence of the copper shims and the spring washers. Lift the gear cover to expose the main drive gear and the pinion yoke assembly.

4. Component Cleaning: Submerge the brass main gear, stainless steel pinion gear, and the worm shaft in a high-quality solvent. Use a soft brush to remove decades of potential grease buildup. All parts must be completely bone-dry before reassembly.

Step 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To restore the 5600A to a performance level that exceeds its original factory specs, we recommend using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil. These synthetics offer superior film strength and won't harden over time like vintage petroleum-based products.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Grease:

• Main Gear: Apply a light, uniform layer of grease to each tooth of the brass main gear. This provides a durable cushion that protects the vintage gear teeth and ensures a silent, powerful retrieve under load.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth of the pinion gear and the internal "slot" where it meets the spool shaft. This is critical for preventing "gear feel" and ensuring the reel engages crisply when the handle is turned.

• Clutch & Kick Lever: Apply a micro-layer of grease to the sliding metal surfaces of the clutch mechanism 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 5600A is always engaged; using oil instead of grease ensures that the line guide moves with zero resistance, maximizing your casting distance.

• Idler Gears: These plastic gears connect the drive train to the levelwind system. A light film of oil keeps the internal friction low and protects the plastic from becoming brittle.

• Spool Bearings: Flush the bearings thoroughly and apply 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. Reinstall the Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the centrifugal brake weights are seated correctly on their pins.

2. Side Plate Alignment: Position the side plate over the frame, ensuring the pinion gear seats perfectly over the spool shaft. Hand-tighten the thumb screws snugly but do not over-torque.

3. Check the Oscillation: Rotate the handle to verify that the levelwind tracks smoothly across the front of the reel. The line guide should reverse direction at each end of the worm shaft without hesitation.

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 bearings to operate with maximum efficiency.

Maintenance Reference Summary