Ambassadeur 6500C Pro Shop(06-00)

Technical Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C Pro Shop (Model 06-00)

The Ambassadeur 6500C Pro Shop (Foot Number 06-00) is a high-performance variant of the legendary round reel series, often distinguished by its upgraded components and "Pro Shop" labeling. This model features a ball-bearing drive and the classic synchronized levelwind system. To maintain the professional-grade performance expected from the 06-00 model, it is necessary to perform a deep-cleaning cycle that removes oxidized factory grease and replaces it with modern, high-speed lubricants.

Phase 1: Precision Teardown and Gear Inspection

Before beginning, ensure you have a clean workspace and the correct flat-head screwdriver to avoid marring the side plate screws.

1. Removing the Power Side Plate: Loosen the three captive thumb screws on the handle side. Carefully pull the side plate assembly away to reveal the drive bridge and the spool.

2. Spool and Bearing Removal: Slide the spool out. This model utilizes high-speed ball bearings located in the side plate pockets or on the spool spindle. Use a fine pick to remove the retaining clips and extract the bearings for cleaning.

3. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, star drag, and tension spring washers. Lift the bridge to expose the brass main gear and the carbon-fiber drag stack. Inspect the pinion gear for any signs of "burring" on the teeth.

4. Levelwind Assembly: Unscrew the pawl cap and remove the moon-shaped pawl. Slide the worm gear and the protective line guide tube out of the frame.

Phase 2: Cleaning and Component Care

For a "Pro Shop" edition reel, keeping the tolerances tight requires the complete removal of old, contaminated lubricants.

• Metal Internals: Submerge the main gear, pinion gear, and worm shaft in a high-grade degreasing solvent. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the roots of the gear teeth, ensuring no metallic grit or old grease remains.

• Bearing Refresh: Soak the stainless steel ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged to eject micro-debris. Once dried, they should spin silently and without any "gritty" sensation.

• Frame Maintenance: Wipe the interior of the frame clean. Pay special attention to the plastic idler gear; ensure the teeth are free of debris, as this part is critical for the synchronized levelwind movement during the cast.

Phase 3: Targeted Lubrication Strategy

To achieve the "Pro Shop" standard of smoothness, you must separate the lubrication of high-speed oscillation parts from the high-torque drive parts.

Levelwind and Idler Gears (The Casting Chain)

The levelwind system on the 06-00 is synchronized, meaning it oscillates back and forth during the cast. To minimize the mechanical drag this creates, apply Deuthlon Reel Power Oil to the worm shaft and the teeth of the idler gears. This specialized oil provides an ultra-slick, low-friction surface that won't "clump" under high RPMs, allowing the line guide to track effortlessly and maximizing your total casting distance.

Main and Pinion Gears (The Power Train)

The drive gears handle the heavy torque of the retrieve. Apply a thin, even coat of high-viscosity gear grease to every tooth of the brass main gear. This grease acts as a hydraulic cushion between the metal surfaces, preventing wear and ensuring the gear mesh feels smooth and silent even under the pressure of a heavy fish.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Mechanical Calibration

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

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

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

4. Closing the Reel: Realign the side plates with the frame and tighten the thumb screws in a staggered pattern to ensure even pressure.

Technical Fine-Tuning

Once reassembled, adjust the mechanical tension knob until the spool has zero side-to-side play (the "zero-knock" position). With Deuthlon oil on the high-speed components and fresh grease on the gears, your Ambassadeur 6500C Pro Shop 06-00 will deliver a silent, powerful, and frictionless performance that exceeds original factory specifications.