Ambassadeur 5600C4 Mag 09 02

Precision Repair Article: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600C4 Mag (09 02)

The Ambassadeur 5600C4 Mag (version 09 02) is a high-performance round reel that integrates the speed of a 6.3:1 gear ratio with a sophisticated magnetic braking system. To maintain the "C4" level of smoothness—which denotes its four-bearing configuration—meticulous cleaning and the application of high-end synthetics are required.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Internal Inspection

Proper maintenance begins with a controlled teardown. This 09 02 model features a specific magnetic carrier assembly that must be handled with care to preserve casting accuracy.

1. Removing the Side Plate: Undo the three thumb screws on the handle side of the reel. Pull the side plate assembly away to reveal the main drive system.

2. Spool and Magnet Extraction: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the non-handle side plate to view the magnetic brake magnets. Ensure the magnets are free of metallic debris, which can often accumulate and cause "scraping" sounds during the cast.

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

4. Cleaning Protocol: Use a specialized reel cleaner to strip away old, contaminated lubricants. All gear teeth and the interior of the bearing races should be bone-dry and spotless before re-lubricating.

Phase 2: Strategic Lubrication with Deuthlon

For a reel designed for high-speed casting and heavy-duty retrieves, standard lubricants often fail. We recommend Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil for their unmatched thermal stability and water-repelling properties.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Grease:

• Main Gear Teeth: Apply a thin, consistent layer of grease to the brass main gear. This provides a hydraulic cushion that prevents gear chatter and wear under the load of a large fish.

• Pinion Gear: Thoroughly coat the pinion gear, particularly the "shoulders" where it meets the yoke. This ensures the reel engages and disengages from free-spool without sticking.

• Clutch & Slide Plates: Apply a micro-layer of grease to the metal-on-metal sliding parts of the clutch to ensure a crisp thumb-bar response.

Applying Deuthlon Reel Oil:

• Levelwind Worm Shaft: Apply two drops of oil to the worm gear. This component is exposed to the elements; Deuthlon oil provides a protective film that doesn't attract as much grit as grease.

• Idler Gears: These gears drive the line-guide system. Use oil here to keep the internal friction as low as possible, which is essential for the high-speed oscillation of the C4 series.

• Spool Bearings: Flush the bearings and apply exactly one drop of oil to each. This allows the spool to reach the high RPMs needed for long-distance casting.

Phase 3: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Insert the Spool: Carefully place the spool back into the frame. Ensure the magnetic braking dial is set to its lowest position during re-entry to avoid forcing the magnets against the spool flange.

2. Re-attach the Side Plate: Align the pinion gear with the spool shaft. Press the side plate into position and hand-tighten the thumb screws.

3. Check the Levelwind: Rotate the handle to ensure the idler gears are engaging the worm shaft correctly. The line guide should travel smoothly from one side to the other.

4. Final Tensioning: Adjust the mechanical brake knob until the spool has minimal sideplay, then test the magnetic slider to ensure the braking force varies correctly according to the dial position.

Lubrication Standards for the 5600C4 Mag