Ambassadeur 5600C4 (15-00)

Technical Service Article: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600C4 (15-00)

The Ambassadeur 5600C4 (15-00) is a high-speed round reel synonymous with durability and rapid line recovery. Featuring a 6.3:1 gear ratio and a robust four-bearing system, this model is built for efficient lure retrieval and consistent casting performance. To maintain the "C4" standard of smoothness, a detailed maintenance routine using high-performance synthetics is necessary.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Inspection

A professional overhaul begins with a systematic teardown to ensure all components are inspected for wear or corrosion.

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

2. Spool and Bearing Access: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the spool shaft and the high-speed bearings. On the 15-00 model, these bearings must be kept perfectly clean to ensure the spool can reach its maximum rotational speed.

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

4. Deep Cleaning: Submerge the main gear, pinion gear, and worm shaft in a degreasing solvent. Use a soft brush to remove any metal shavings or old, hardened grease from the gear teeth. Ensure all parts are bone-dry before proceeding to lubrication.

Phase 2: Lubrication Protocol with Deuthlon

For a reel designed for high-speed operation, standard lubricants are often insufficient. We recommend using Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil for their exceptional film strength and resistance to water washout.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Grease:

• Main Gear: Apply a light, uniform coating of grease to the teeth of the brass drive gear. This provides the necessary cushion for the 6.3:1 gear set, preventing metal fatigue and ensuring a silent retrieve.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth and the internal slot of the pinion gear. This ensures smooth engagement when the reel transitions from free-spool to retrieve under the tension of a fish.

• Clutch Linkage: Apply a small amount of grease to the sliding metal surfaces of the kick lever and release mechanism to maintain a crisp 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, oil offers the low-viscosity protection needed to prevent drag during long casts.

• Idler Gears: These gears drive the line-guide oscillation. Using oil here instead of grease keeps the internal rotational inertia low, which is vital for the 5600C4’s casting efficiency.

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

Phase 3: Reassembly and Final Testing

1. Seat the Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the shaft aligns correctly with the non-handle side bearing.

2. Side Plate Alignment: Position the handle-side plate over the frame, ensuring the pinion gear seats perfectly over the spool shaft. Tighten the thumb screws in a staggered pattern.

3. Check the Oscillation: Rotate the handle to verify the levelwind is tracking evenly across the spool.

4. Operational Test: Disengage the thumb bar. The spool should spin silently and freely. Adjust the mechanical tension knob to eliminate side-play, allowing the C4 bearings to operate at peak efficiency.

Maintenance Quick-Reference Table