Ambassadeur 5600Cdl

Technical Restoration and Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600CDL

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600CDL is an elite right-hand drive round reel, often recognized by its luxurious gold-plated accents and high-gloss finish. While it is a collector's favorite, the CDL is built on a heavy-duty chassis meant for serious angling. Because of its gold plating and precision tolerances, maintenance must be performed with care to prevent aesthetic damage while ensuring the internal mechanics match the exterior's prestige.

To maintain the smooth, powerful performance expected of a CDL model, we recommend a precision service utilizing Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil.

Step 1: Disassembly and Aesthetic Protection

Loosen the three knurled thumb screws on the right side plate. Carefully pull the assembly away to reveal the drive bridge. Extract the spool and set it aside. When working on a CDL, use a soft cloth or padded vice to ensure the gold-plated components (such as the handle, star drag, and thumb screws) are not scratched by metal tools.

Step 2: Precision Cleaning

To allow modern synthetic lubricants to perform at their peak, all old, factory-applied grease must be removed.

• Gear Preparation: Submerge the main drive gear and the pinion gear in a specialized cleaning solvent. Use a soft-bristled brush to clear the teeth of any grit or oxidized lubricant.

• Levelwind Cleaning: Clean the worm shaft and the idler gears until the surfaces are bright and free of residue. Ensure the line guide pawl is free of any metal shavings.

Step 3: High-Torque Gear Lubrication

The 5600CDL utilizes a robust gear set designed for consistent cranking power. These metal-to-metal contact points require a grease that can handle pressure without being displaced.

• 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 durable cushion, effectively dampening gear vibration and preventing metal galling. The specialized formula ensures the gears feel "buttery" and silent during the retrieve, protecting the brass internals from long-term wear.

Step 4: Levelwind and Idler Gear Service (Kinetic)

The 5600CDL features a synchronized levelwind system. To prevent the line guide from slowing down the spool during a cast, you must use a low-viscosity lubricant in this area.

• Worm Shaft (Levelwind): Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the grooves of the worm shaft. Oil provides a slick, fast-moving surface that allows the line guide to track perfectly across the frame with minimal mechanical drag.

• Idler Gears: These gears link the spool’s rotation to the levelwind assembly. Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the idler gears and their mounting posts. Using oil here instead of grease significantly lowers the energy required for the spool to start spinning, which is essential for smooth, long-distance casting.

Step 5: Spool Bearings and Final Reassembly

The spool bearings must be optimized for speed while remaining protected from the elements.

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. Align the side plate assembly and secure the thumb screws.

3. Function Check: 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 5600CDL remains both a visual masterpiece and a mechanical powerhouse.

Technical Summary for the 5600CDL