Ambassadeur 5600C (81-08-00)

Comprehensive Repair Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600C (81-08-00)

The Ambassadeur 5600C (81-08-00) is a legendary vintage round reel that represents the pinnacle of Swedish craftsmanship from the early 1980s. This model features a high-speed gear set and the classic "Palming" side plate. Given its age, this reel requires a meticulous service to preserve its collector-grade performance. Proper lubrication is the difference between a gritty, noisy retrieve and the buttery-smooth operation this model was famous for.

Step 1: Systematic Disassembly

Because the 81-08-00 model uses vintage screw configurations and specific brass shims, a careful teardown is required to avoid damaging the original hardware.

1. Removing the Right Side Plate: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws. On this era of reel, these screws are designed to stay with the side plate. Carefully pull the handle assembly away from the frame.

2. Spool and Centrifugal Brakes: Slide the spool out of the frame. You will notice the two-pin centrifugal brake system. Ensure the small brake weights (blocks) are present and clean.

3. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, the star drag, and the drive shaft shims. Lift the side plate cover to expose the drive train. Note the position of the copper drag washers within the main gear stack.

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

Step 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To restore the 5600C to its former glory, we recommend using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil. These modern synthetics provide significantly better protection than the lubricants available when this reel was manufactured in 1981.

Grease Application (Deuthlon Reel Grease):

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

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth of the pinion and the area where it slides on the yoke. This is critical for the "81" series to ensure the gear disengages and re-engages without sticking.

• Release Mechanism: Lightly grease the kick lever and the sliding metal plates of the clutch to ensure the thumb bar operates with its original mechanical precision.

Oil Application (Deuthlon Reel Oil):

• Levelwind & Worm Shaft: Apply two drops of oil to the spiral worm gear. The levelwind on the 5600C is always engaged; using oil instead of grease ensures that the line guide moves with zero resistance, which is vital for maintaining casting distance.

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

• Spool Bearings: Flush the bearings and apply one drop of Deuthlon oil to each. This provides the high-speed protection needed for the spool to reach its full rotational potential during a cast.

Step 3: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Reinstall the Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame. Ensure the centrifugal brake weights are seated correctly on their pins.

2. Side Plate Alignment: Align the pinion gear with the spool shaft. Press the handle-side plate onto the frame and hand-tighten the thumb screws.

3. Check the Oscillation: Crank the handle to ensure the levelwind is tracking smoothly across the spool. The line guide should reverse direction at each end of the worm shaft without hesitation.

4. Operational Testing: Disengage the thumb bar. The spool should spin silently and for an extended duration. Adjust the mechanical brake knob on the side plate to eliminate side-play, allowing the vintage bearings to operate with maximum efficiency.

Maintenance Quick Reference