Ambassadeur 5600Cb (08-00)

Technical Service and Repair Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600CB (08-00)

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600CB (08-00) is a classic right-hand drive round reel that introduced the "Self-Braking System" (CB) to the Ambassadeur family. This revision is highly regarded for its precision-milled brass internals and a specialized centrifugal braking hub designed to provide "casting insurance" against backlashes. Because the 08-00 relies on the mechanical synergy between the spool and the braking weights, internal friction is the enemy of its performance.

To restore this reel to its peak mechanical potential, we recommend a precision service utilizing Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil.

Step 1: Systematic Disassembly

Begin by loosening the three knurled thumb screws on the handle-side plate and removing the assembly to access the drive bridge. Carefully extract the spool and inspect the centrifugal braking weights located on the spool shaft. For the 08-00 model, it is vital to check the brake race (the metal ring inside the non-handle side plate) for any oil or grease buildup, which can cause inconsistent braking and unexpected overruns.

Step 2: Precision Cleaning

To allow modern synthetic lubricants to bond at a molecular level, the internal surfaces must be surgically clean and free of aged factory grease.

• Drive Train: Submerge the main drive gear and the pinion gear in a high-quality solvent. Use a soft brush to clear every tooth of debris.

• Levelwind Assembly: Thoroughly degrease the worm shaft and the idler gears. Any residual grit in the worm grooves will act as a "micro-brake" on the synchronized line guide during the cast.

Step 3: High-Torque Gear Lubrication

The 5600CB depends on its gear set to provide cranking power under load. These contact points require a lubricant that provides a high-strength film to prevent metal-on-metal galling.

• Main and Pinion Gears: Apply a thin, even coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the main gear and the pinion gear. This grease is formulated with high-film-strength additives that create a protective cushion, effectively dampening gear vibration and noise. Its specialized formula ensures the grease stays bonded to the teeth, preventing it from being slung into the drag stack or onto the braking race.

Step 4: Levelwind and Idler System Service (Kinetic)

Because the levelwind on the 5600CB is synchronized, the line guide moves during the cast. To maintain the smooth casting characteristic of the CB model, you must minimize the mechanical drag in this system.

• Worm Shaft (Levelwind): Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the grooves of the worm shaft. Oil provides a much faster, slicker surface than grease, allowing the line guide to oscillate across the frame with minimal parasitic drag.

• Idler Gears: These gears link the spool's rotation to the levelwind mechanism. Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the idler gears and their mounting posts. Using oil here instead of grease significantly lowers the rotational inertia, allowing the spool to reach peak RPMs much faster when the thumb bar is released.

Step 5: Spool Bearings and Final Reassembly

The spool bearings are the engine of your casting performance and must be kept in pristine condition.

1. Bearing Care: Apply exactly one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each cleaned spool bearing. Its "Dust-Free" technology helps repel fine particles, ensuring the bearings stay fast and quiet over time.

2. Reassembly: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the brake weights are properly seated. Align the side plate assembly and secure the thumb screws.

3. Validation: Engage the free-spool and verify that the levelwind travels fluidly. The combination of Deuthlon Reel Grease on the drive gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind components ensures your 5600CB (08-00) operates with professional-grade fluidity.

Technical Summary for the 5600CB (08-00)