Ambassadeur 6500C 23 00 Lime

Comprehensive Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C Lime (Model 23 00)

The Ambassadeur 6500C Lime (Foot Number 23 00) is a sought-after special edition reel, famous for its high-visibility neon finish and "C" series ball-bearing performance. Mechanically, the 23 00 model utilizes a high-speed gear set and a synchronized levelwind. Because this model is often used by enthusiasts who demand both aesthetics and performance, this guide focuses on a full technical overhaul that maximizes spool speed while ensuring the gear mesh remains silent and durable.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Safety

To protect the lime-green anodized or painted finish, use a non-marring workspace and precise screwdrivers.

1. Right-Side Access: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws on the handle side. Carefully pull the side plate assembly away from the frame to reveal the spool.

2. Spool and Bearings: Slide the spool out. On the 23 00 "C" model, ball bearings are located within the side plate housings or on the spool shaft itself. Carefully remove any retaining clips to free the bearings for cleaning.

3. The Drive Bridge: Remove the handle assembly, including the nut, handle, and star drag wheel. Lift the side plate cover to expose the brass main gear, the pinion gear in its yoke, and the carbon matrix drag system.

4. Levelwind Assembly: Unscrew the pawl cap from the line guide. Remove the pawl and slide the worm gear out from the frame's protective shroud.

Phase 2: Cleaning and Degreasing

A successful repair starts with a "surgically" clean environment inside the reel.

• Component Soak: Submerge the main gear, pinion gear, and all ball bearings in a specialized reel cleaner or high-grade isopropyl alcohol. Use a soft brush to scrub away old, contaminated grease from the gear teeth.

• The Frame and Levelwind: Use a cotton swab to clean the interior of the worm gear shroud and the teeth of the idler gear located on the frame. Any residual grit in these areas will cause "micro-stuttering" during a long cast.

• Brake Race Maintenance: Clean the brass centrifugal brake race inside the non-handle side plate with a dry cotton swab. This surface must be polished and completely free of oil to ensure the brake blocks function with consistent friction.

Phase 3: Targeted Lubrication Strategy

The 6500C Lime relies on two distinct types of lubrication to balance its high-speed casting with its heavy-duty retrieving power.

Levelwind and Idler Gears

In the 23 00 model, the levelwind system is always engaged. To prevent this mechanical movement from slowing down your cast, apply Deuthlon Reel Power Oil to the worm shaft and the plastic idler gears. This oil is engineered to stay on the metal surfaces even at high RPMs, providing a frictionless glide for the line guide. Using a heavy grease here is a common mistake that will significantly reduce your casting distance.

Main and Pinion Gears

The drive gears handle the mechanical stress of winding in lures and fighting fish. Apply a thin, consistent layer of gear grease to every tooth of the brass main gear. This grease provides a "cushion" that dampens gear noise and prevents the stainless steel pinion gear from wearing down the brass teeth over time.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Mechanical Tuning

1. The Drive Stack: Reinstall the pinion gear into the yoke and seat the main gear on the drive shaft. Ensure the drag washers are stacked in the correct order and are completely dry unless using a specific drag-only grease.

2. Bearing Prep: Place one drop of Deuthlon oil into each cleaned ball bearing. This ensures the bearings spin at maximum velocity with minimal heat buildup.

3. Levelwind Integration: Reinstall the worm gear and line carriage. Place a drop of oil on the pawl before securing the pawl cap.

4. Closing the Reel: Realign the lime side plates with the frame. Tighten the three thumb screws evenly. Reassemble the star drag and handle.

Technical Fine-Tuning

Once the reel is closed, turn the mechanical tension knob (located on the handle side) until the spool has no side-to-side play. Engage the thumb bar and spin the spool; the Deuthlon oil on the levelwind should allow for a long, silent spin. With fresh grease on the main gears, the retrieve should feel solid and "buttery," restoring the 6500C Lime 23 00 to its peak factory performance.