Ambassadeur 6500 PROROCKET 100YR

Expert Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 Pro Rocket 100-Year Anniversary Edition

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 Pro Rocket 100YR is a commemorative masterpiece, celebrating a century of Swedish craftsmanship. This reel combines the heritage of the round-reel design with modern high-performance features like the Duragear brass system and an extended throw handle. Because this is often a collector's piece as much as a fishing tool, maintaining its mechanical integrity is vital for both its resale value and its legendary casting distance.

This guide provides a professional walkthrough for the complete teardown and precision lubrication of the 100th-anniversary model.

Tools and Preparation

To service this special edition reel without marring the finish, use the following:

• Tools: A soft-jawed 10mm wrench or a padded nut driver, and a high-quality flat-head precision screwdriver.

• Cleaning: A ultrasonic cleaner or a soak tray with specialized reel degreaser.

• Lubrication: Deuthlon Grease (for heavy-duty gear protection) and Deuthlon Oil (for friction reduction).

• Work Surface: A lint-free microfiber mat to prevent small springs from rolling away.

Step 1: Handle and Side Plate Disassembly

The 100YR model often features specialized badging and an aesthetic finish that requires careful handling.

1. Removing the Handle: Back out the small security screw on the handle nut retainer. Use the 10mm wrench to remove the nut, then lift the handle and the star drag wheel. Be mindful of the spring washers located underneath the star drag; their orientation is critical for drag tension.

2. Opening the Housing: Loosen the three knurled screws on the right side plate. Gently pull the plate away from the frame.

3. Spool Access: Slide the spool out of the frame. Note the centrifugal brake weights on the spool; ensure they do not fall off during this stage.

Step 2: Servicing the Primary Drive Mechanics

The Pro Rocket uses high-grade brass gears that provide its signature smooth retrieve. These parts bear the brunt of the mechanical load.

1. Gear Extraction: Slide the main gear and the drag stack off the drive shaft. Clean the teeth of the main gear and the pinion gear thoroughly using a brush and solvent to remove any metallic dust or old lubricant.

2. Main Drive Lubrication:

   • Recommendation: Apply Deuthlon Grease to the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear.

   • Application: Use a fine-tipped brush to apply grease only to the gear teeth. This creates a protective film that prevents metal-to-metal wear and significantly dampens gear noise during the retrieve.

Step 3: Levelwind and Idler System Optimization

In the Pro Rocket series, the levelwind is synchronized to the spool. This means any friction in the levelwind system directly reduces your casting distance.

1. Component Removal: Remove the line guide nut and the internal pawl. Slide the worm shaft and its protective shroud out of the frame.

2. Idler Gear Inspection: Inspect the white nylon idler gears for any trapped debris or salt buildup.

3. High-Speed Lubrication:

   • Recommendation: Apply Deuthlon Oil to the Levelwind Worm Shaft and the Idler Gears.

   • Rationale: Since these components rotate rapidly during a cast, using a high-performance oil instead of grease prevents the "lag" that occurs with heavier lubricants. This ensures the line guide moves across the frame with zero hesitation.

Step 4: Spool Bearings and Centrifugal Brakes

The Pro Rocket is famous for its long-distance casting capabilities, which rely heavily on the health of the spool bearings.

1. Bearing Cleaning: Remove the spool bearings from the side plate and spool shaft. Soak them in solvent and dry them completely.

2. Lubrication: Add a single drop of high-speed oil to each bearing. Do not over-lubricate, as excess oil can splash onto the brake drum.

3. Brake Maintenance: Wipe the brass brake race (the ring inside the side plate) with a clean, dry swab to ensure the centrifugal weights provide consistent, predictable braking.

Step 5: Final Reassembly and Quality Check

1. Install the Spool: Insert the spool back into the frame, ensuring the gear side meshes with the pinion.

2. Secure the Plate: Reattach the right side plate and tighten the captive screws.

3. Restore the Handle: Place the star drag, washers, handle, and nut back onto the drive shaft. Secure the nut with the locking plate and screw.

4. Operational Test: Spin the spool to ensure it rotates freely for several seconds. Check the drag engagement by turning the handle and ensuring the levelwind moves smoothly across the reel face.

Regularly servicing your Ambassadeur 6500 Pro Rocket 100YR with Deuthlon Grease on the main gears and Deuthlon Oil on the levelwind components ensures this anniversary edition remains a high-performance heirloom for decades.