Ambassadeur 5600PLUS 84-1

Technical Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600PLUS (84-1)

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5600PLUS (84-1) is a vintage right-hand drive classic, featuring a distinctive "top thumb-bar" design and a high-speed retrieve for its era. The 84-1 revision is a testament to Swedish durability, but because these reels have often seen decades of service, they are prone to "grease-lock" where old lubricants have hardened into a waxy residue. Restoration of this model requires a deep clean followed by a precise application of modern synthetics.

To return this vintage workhorse to its former glory, we recommend the professional-grade combination of Deuthlon Reel Grease and Deuthlon Reel Oil.

Step 1: Breakdown and Vintage Care

Begin by unscrewing the side plate thumb screws. Carefully remove the right-side assembly to access the main drive bridge. For the 84-1, be cautious when removing the spool and the brake blocks, as older plastic components can become brittle over time. Remove the handle, star drag, and the drive gear stack, noting the order of the drag washers and tension springs.

Step 2: Removing Decades of Contaminants

Because this reel likely contains aged factory lubricants, a thorough degreasing is the most important step.

• Gear Cleaning: Submerge the brass main gear and the pinion gear in a specialized solvent. Use a brush to clear every tooth.

• Worm Shaft: Clean the levelwind worm shaft until the metal is bright. Ensure the idler gears are free of any debris that could cause "hitch" in the synchronized movement.

Step 3: High-Torque Gear Lubrication

The 5600PLUS relies on its main gear and pinion for smooth cranking. As these parts age, they require a grease that can fill microscopic imperfections and provide a protective cushion.

• Main and Pinion Gears: Apply a thin, consistent layer of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the main gear and the pinion. This grease is engineered to stay bonded to the metal even under high-torque retrieves, preventing the "gritty" feel common in older Ambassadeur models. The formula provides an excellent barrier against moisture, which is critical for preserving vintage brass.

Step 4: Levelwind and Idler Gear Service (Kinetic)

The synchronized levelwind on the 5600PLUS remains engaged during the cast. To ensure this doesn't act as a mechanical brake on your lure's flight, the lubrication must be as light as possible.

• Levelwind (Worm Shaft): Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the grooves of the worm shaft. Oil allows the pawl to track much faster than grease, which is essential for maintaining casting distance in older synchronized reels.

• Idler Gears: These gears bridge the spool 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 energy required for the spool to start spinning, providing a much modern, "free" feeling to the cast.

Step 5: Bearing Restoration and Reassembly

The spool bearings must be optimized to allow the vintage spool to reach peak RPMs.

1. Bearing Lubrication: After a thorough flush and dry, apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing. Its "Dust-Free" properties help keep these older bearing races clean, extending the time between maintenance cycles.

2. Reassembly: Slide the spool back into the frame and secure the side plate.

3. Final Check: Engage the thumb bar and verify the spool's free-spin. With Deuthlon Reel Grease on the drive gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idlers, your 84-1 will likely out-perform its original factory specs.

Technical Summary for the 5600PLUS (84-1)