Ambassadeur 5601Cjb 13 02

Ambassadeur 5601CJB Technical Service & Repair Guide

The Ambassadeur 5601CJB (Foot Number 13 02) is a purpose-built, left-handed reel designed specifically for the high-impact demands of jerkbait fishing. This model utilizes a synchronized levelwind system and a heavy-duty gear set to manage the constant snapping of the rod and the resulting shock to the drive train. To maintain its mechanical integrity, this guide details a full restoration using Deuthlon high-performance lubricants.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Inspection

1. Frame Separation: Loosen the three captive thumb screws on the left side plate (cranking side). Carefully pull the side plate assembly away from the frame.

2. Spool and Brakes: Slide the spool out. Inspect the centrifugal brake weights on the spool flange. These must be clean and bone-dry to ensure consistent casting friction.

3. Drive Train Access: Remove the handle nut retainer, handle nut, handle, and star drag wheel. Lift the gear side plate to expose the main gear, pinion gear, and the drag washer stack.

4. Levelwind Components: Unscrew the line guide nut and remove the pawl. Slide the worm shaft out from the frame for deep cleaning.

Phase 2: Cleaning and Degreasing

Jerkbait techniques place extreme stress on lubricants, often causing them to break down or collect metal wear-particles.

• Clean the Main Gear, Pinion Gear, and Worm Shaft in a degreasing bath until all old grease and debris are removed.

• Pay specific attention to the Idler Gear (the white gear inside the frame bridge). In a synchronized system, this gear is under constant load during both the cast and the retrieve.

• Dry all components thoroughly before re-lubricating.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication

Optimal performance in the 5601CJB is achieved by isolating high-load parts with grease and low-load, high-speed parts with oil.

Power and Engagement (Grease)

The "jerk" in jerkbait fishing creates sudden torque spikes on the gear teeth.

• Main Gear: Apply a thorough, even coat of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the brass main gear teeth. This grease provides a resilient film that absorbs shock and prevents metal-to-metal wear.

• Pinion Gear: Apply Deuthlon Reel Grease to the pinion teeth and the yoke contact surfaces. This ensures the gear engagement remains crisp and protects the spool's drive notches during aggressive lure working.

Synchronization and Speed (Oil)

Because the levelwind in this model is synchronized, the worm gear and idler system spin whenever the spool does. Minimizing drag here is critical for casting distance.

• Levelwind Worm Gear: Apply two drops of Deuthlon Reel Oil along the length of the worm shaft. Oil allows the line guide to oscillate with minimal resistance, preventing the "thumping" or drag associated with heavy grease.

• Idler Gears: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the teeth and the post of the idler gears. Since these gears synchronize the spool to the levelwind, using oil instead of grease eliminates parasitic drag, allowing the spool to reach higher RPMs during the cast.

• Spool Bearings: Clean the bearings and apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Gear Set: Seat the pinion gear back into the yoke and place the main gear onto the drive shaft. Ensure the drag washers are seated flat.

2. Integration: Slide the spool back into the frame. Align the side plate and tighten the thumb screws finger-tight.

3. Exterior Hardware: Replace the star drag, handle assembly, and handle nut. Secure with the retainer screw.

4. Final Tensioning: Adjust the mechanical tension knob until the spool has just a hint of lateral play. This allows the Deuthlon lubricants to perform at peak efficiency, resulting in a reel that is both powerful and exceptionally smooth during the cast.

Following this protocol with Deuthlon Reel Grease on the gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil on the levelwind and idler systems ensures the Ambassadeur 5601CJB remains a reliable, high-performance tool for heavy-duty applications.