Ambassadeur 5600C4 (07-00)

Technical Overhaul Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600C4 (07-00)

The Ambassadeur 5600C4 (07-00) is a high-speed round reel engineered for durability and rapid line recovery. Featuring a 6.3:1 gear ratio and a high-performance four-bearing system, this model is a favorite for anglers requiring efficiency and strength. To keep this classic operating at its peak, a meticulous maintenance schedule utilizing superior synthetics is vital to protect the precision-cut gears and high-speed bearings.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Inspection

A professional repair starts with a systematic teardown to ensure all old, contaminated grease and debris are removed from the internal housing.

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

2. Spool Extraction: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the spool shaft and the integrated bearings for any signs of pitting or dryness. On the 07-00 model, these bearings must be perfectly clean to maintain the reel's signature casting distance.

3. Drive Train Access: Remove the handle nut, handle, and star drag. Take care not to lose the small tension washers (Belleville washers) located under the star drag. Lift the gear cover to expose the main gear and the pinion yoke.

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 ensure no old residue remains in the gear teeth. Dry all components completely before re-lubricating.

Phase 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To maintain the high-speed performance of the 5600C4, we recommend using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil. These specialized lubricants are designed to provide a durable protective barrier against heat and friction.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Grease:

• Main Gear: Apply a light, uniform layer of grease to the teeth of the large main drive gear. This provides the necessary cushion to prevent metal fatigue during high-speed retrieves and ensures a silent, smooth crank.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth and the internal slot where the spool shaft engages. This is essential for preventing "gear feel" and ensuring the reel engages instantly 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 Shaft: Apply two drops of oil to the spiral worm gear. Since the levelwind is constantly in motion during both casting and retrieving, oil offers the low-viscosity protection needed to minimize drag.

• Idler Gears: These plastic gears drive the line-guide oscillation. Using oil here instead of grease keeps the internal rotational inertia low, which is critical for maximizing the casting efficiency of the C4 series.

• Spool Bearings: Flush the bearings thoroughly and apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon oil to each. This ultra-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 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 correctly over the spool shaft. 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 any side-to-side play, allowing the C4 bearings to handle the rotational load with maximum efficiency.

Maintenance Quick Reference