Ambassadeur 5600C4 Elite (07-00)

Professional Maintenance Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600C4 Elite (07-00)

The Ambassadeur 5600C4 Elite (07-00) represents a premium tier of the classic round reel series, featuring enhanced components and a high-speed gear configuration. Maintaining the "Elite" status of this reel requires a specialized approach to lubrication and assembly to ensure the four-bearing system operates at its maximum potential for smoothness and durability.

Phase 1: Teardown and Cleaning

A thorough service begins with removing old, oxidized lubricants that can compromise the reel's high-speed performance.

1. Removing the Side Plate: Unscrew the three captive thumb screws on the handle side. Carefully lift the side 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 debris or signs of wear.

3. Accessing the Drive Train: Remove the handle nut, handle, and the star drag. Lift the gear cover to expose the main gear and the pinion yoke.

4. Degreasing: Submerge all metal gears—including the main gear, pinion gear, and worm shaft—in a high-quality solvent. Use a brush to ensure every gear valley is free of old residue. Dry all parts completely before re-lubricating.

Phase 2: Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To maintain the elite performance of this 07-00 model, we recommend utilizing Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil. These synthetics provide superior film strength and thermal stability under heavy cranking loads.

Grease Application (Deuthlon Reel Grease):

• Main Drive Gear: Apply a precise, even layer of grease to the teeth of the large main gear. This provides the necessary cushion to prevent gear "chatter" and ensures a silent, powerful retrieve.

• Pinion Gear: Coat the teeth of the pinion gear and the yoke contact surfaces. Proper lubrication here is essential for a seamless transition when the reel engages from free-spool to retrieve.

• Clutch Components: Lightly grease the sliding surfaces of the kick lever and release sliders to ensure the thumb bar snaps back with a crisp, tactile response.

Oil Application (Deuthlon Reel Oil):

• Levelwind Worm Shaft: Apply two drops of oil to the spiral worm gear. Since the levelwind is constantly oscillating during both cast and retrieve, oil offers the low-viscosity protection needed to prevent drag.

• Idler Gears: These gears drive the line-lay mechanism. Apply a light coating of oil to ensure they rotate with minimal inertia, which is vital for maintaining the casting distance of the Elite series.

• Spool Bearings: Flush the bearings and apply one single drop of oil to each. Over-oiling will create "fluid drag," so precision is key for maximizing spool RPM.

Phase 3: Reassembly and Operational Testing

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

2. Housing Alignment: Position the side plate over the frame, ensuring the pinion gear seats over the spool shaft correctly. Hand-tighten the three thumb screws in a staggered pattern.

3. Function Check: Rotate the handle to verify that the levelwind tracks smoothly across the front of the reel.

4. Final Calibration: Disengage the thumb bar. The spool should spin freely and quietly. Adjust the mechanical tension knob to eliminate side-play, allowing the Elite bearings to handle the rotational load efficiently.

Maintenance Reference Table