Ambassadeur 6500C Green 17 00

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C Green (Model 17 00)

The Ambassadeur 6500C Green (Foot Number 17 00) is a classic high-speed round reel, often sought after for its distinctive forest green finish and its reliable ball-bearing drive. This 17 00 variant is built for longevity, but like all synchronized levelwind reels, its casting distance is heavily dependent on the cleanliness and lubrication of the oscillation system. Proper maintenance involves a complete teardown to remove "varnished" factory grease and the application of modern, high-speed synthetics.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Component Inspection

To service the 17 00 model, begin by breaking the reel down into its three primary sub-assemblies: the power side plate, the spool, and the frame.

1. Right Side Plate Removal: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws. Pull the plate away to reveal the drive bridge and the main gear.

2. Spool and Bearings: Slide the spool out. This "C" model utilizes stainless steel ball bearings. Check the bearing pockets in the side plates and the spool shaft; remove the retaining clips to extract the bearings for a deep soak.

3. The Gear Train: Remove the handle, star drag, and the side plate cover. Lift the main gear and the carbon drag stack off the drive shaft. Inspect the teeth of the pinion gear for any signs of flattening or burrs.

4. Levelwind Teardown: Unscrew the pawl cap and remove the pawl. Slide the worm gear and the protective line guide tube out from the frame.

Phase 2: Cleaning and Degreasing

Old lubricants on a vintage 17 00 model often trap grit, which acts as sandpaper on the brass internals.

• Hard Part Degreasing: Submerge the brass main gear, stainless steel pinion, and worm shaft in a dedicated reel cleaning solvent. Use a soft brush to scrub the roots of the gear teeth.

• Bearing Refresh: Soak the ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol and spin them while submerged to eject debris. Once dry, they should spin freely and silently.

• Frame and Idler Gear: Wipe the interior of the green frame. Use a cotton swab to clean the teeth of the plastic idler gear, which synchronizes the spool with the levelwind.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication Protocol

For a high-performance baitcaster, the rule is simple: use oil for speed and grease for power.

The Levelwind and Idler System

The levelwind on the 6500C moves back and forth during the cast, which creates mechanical drag. To minimize this resistance, apply Deuthlon Reel Power Oil to the worm shaft and the teeth of the idler gears. This oil is engineered to maintain a low-friction barrier at high RPMs, ensuring the line guide moves effortlessly across the spool, which is the key to maximizing casting distance on the 17 00 model.

The Main and Pinion Gears

The drive gears handle the heavy lifting during the retrieve. Apply a thin, even coat of gear grease to the teeth of the main gear. This grease provides a cushion that prevents metal-on-metal wear and dampens vibration, resulting in a smooth, quiet retrieve even when winding in heavy lures or fighting a fish.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Rebuild the Drive Bridge: Place the pinion gear back into the yoke and seat the main gear on the drive shaft. Ensure the drag washers are clean and stacked in the correct sequence.

2. Bearing Lubrication: Place one drop of Deuthlon oil into each cleaned ball bearing. This provides immediate lubrication for casting without the "slow-down" effect of heavy grease.

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

4. Closing the Reel: Realign the green side plates with the frame and tighten the thumb screws. Reinstall the star drag and handle.

Technical Performance Summary

Adjust the mechanical tension knob until the side-to-side play of the spool is just barely eliminated. With Deuthlon oil on the levelwind and premium grease on the gears, the 6500C 17 00 will operate with modern efficiency, providing the silent, high-speed performance that defines the Ambassadeur legacy.