Ambassadeur 5600Al (81-08-00)

Service and Restoration Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600AL (81-08-00)

The Ambassadeur 5600AL (81-08-00) is a classic "All-Light" round reel from the early 1980s, characterized by its lightweight aluminum frame and palming side plate. This specific 81-08-00 iteration represents a transition in Abu Garcia's engineering, balancing portable weight with the heavy-duty brass gearing the brand is known for. To ensure this vintage piece maintains its smooth casting and high-speed retrieval, a detailed service with modern synthetics is required to protect its aging components.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Vintage Care

Because the 5600AL utilizes aluminum threads and brass shims, disassembly must be performed with precision tools to avoid marring the vintage surfaces.

1. Right Side Plate Removal: Loosen the three captive thumb screws on the handle-side plate. Carefully pull the assembly away from the frame.

2. Spool and Centrifugal Brake Service: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the two-pin centrifugal braking system. On this 81-08-00 model, ensure the small brake blocks are clean and the pins are free of corrosion.

3. Accessing the Drive Train: Remove the handle nut, handle, and the star drag. Take care with the copper shims and spring washers located underneath. Lift the gear cover to expose the main gear and the pinion yoke.

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 remove decades of potential oxidation or hardened grease. All components must be completely dry before re-lubricating.

Phase 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To restore the 5600AL to a "better-than-factory" feel, we recommend utilizing Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil. These modern synthetics offer superior film strength compared to the lubricants available in the 1980s.

Grease Application (Deuthlon Reel Grease):

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

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth of the pinion and the yoke area. Proper lubrication here is essential for preventing "notchy" retrieval and ensuring the reel engages crisply when the handle is turned.

• Release Mechanism: Lightly grease the sliding surfaces of the kick lever and release sliders to ensure the thumb bar operates with a positive, mechanical snap.

Oil Application (Deuthlon Reel Oil):

• Levelwind & Worm Shaft: Apply two drops of oil to the spiral worm gear. The levelwind on the 5600AL is always engaged during the cast; using oil instead of grease keeps the line guide moving with zero resistance, maximizing distance.

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

• 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 oils.

Phase 3: Reassembly and Testing

1. Insert the Spool: Carefully place the spool back into the frame. Ensure the centrifugal brake weights are seated correctly on their pins.

2. Align the Side Plate: Position the side plate over the frame, ensuring the pinion gear seats over the spool shaft correctly. 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.

4. Operational Test: Disengage the thumb bar. The spool should spin silently and freely. Adjust the mechanical tension knob to eliminate spool side-play, allowing the 5600AL to handle the rotational load with peak efficiency.

Maintenance Reference Summary