Ambassadeur 6500C3 2-Speed(91-0)

Professional Restoration Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 2-Speed (Model 91-0)

The Ambassadeur 6500C3 2-Speed (Foot Number 91-0) is a landmark reel from the early 1990s, representing Abu Garcia's peak era of "Made in Sweden" mechanical innovation. This model is famous for its automatic transmission—shifting from a high-speed 6.3:1 retrieve to a powerful 3.8:1 winching ratio when it detects a specific load (roughly 2–3 lbs of resistance).

Because the shifting mechanism depends on the movement of small centrifugal "weights" and springs within the main gear hub, the 91-0 is extremely sensitive to old, thickened grease. To keep it shifting smoothly and casting far, you must modernize the lubricants in its synchronized levelwind and complex gear bridge.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Shifting Hub Analysis

The 91-0 requires a more precise teardown than a standard C3 due to the dual-speed gear stack.

1. Removing the Power Side: Loosen the three captive thumb screws on the handle side and pull the plate away. Slide out the spool.

2. The 2-Speed Drive Stack: Remove the handle and star drag. Lift the side plate cover to reveal the dual main gear assembly.

   • Critical Note: Within the larger gear, you will see small shifting pawls (weights) and delicate springs. If these are "glued" by old grease, the reel will fail to downshift under load or, worse, get stuck in low gear.

3. Spool and Bearings: This model features three high-speed stainless steel ball bearings. Locate them in the side plates and spool spindle. Remove the wire C-clips to extract them for a deep solvent soak.

4. Levelwind Breakdown: Unscrew the pawl cap, remove the crescent-shaped pawl, and slide the worm gear out from the frame.

Phase 2: Deep Cleaning and Degreasing

For a 2-speed reel, any internal "gunk" can cause the transmission to slip or "hunt" between gears.

• Transmission Hub Cleaning: Submerge the dual main gears, the internal shifting pawls, and the pinion gear in a high-grade degreasing solvent. Use a soft brush to ensure the internal "ramps" where the pawls engage are surgically clean.

• Bearing Refresh: Soak the ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged to eject 30+ years of micro-grit. Once dry, they should spin silently.

• The Frame: Wipe the interior of the frame. Clean the teeth of the plastic idler gear, which synchronizes the spool with the levelwind during the cast.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication Protocol

Achieving professional-grade performance requires using different viscosities to balance casting speed with shifting reliability.

Levelwind and Idler Gears (The Casting Chain)

The levelwind is synchronized, meaning it oscillates during the cast. To minimize drag, apply Deuthlon Reel Power Oil to the worm shaft and the teeth of the idler gears. This ultra-slick synthetic oil ensures the line guide tracks effortlessly, maximizing your distance with lighter lures. Never use grease here, as it will "choke" the casting momentum.

Main Gears and Shifting Hub (The Power Train)

The 2-speed system requires a delicate balance. Apply a thin, even coat of high-viscosity gear grease to the outer teeth of the main gears. However, for the internal shifting pawls and ramps, use a single drop of oil. Thick grease on the shifting pawls can prevent them from moving outward, disabling the automatic kick-down feature.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Mechanical Calibration

1. Rebuild the Shifting Bridge: Carefully re-seat the shifting weights and springs into the gear hub. Place the pinion gear back into the yoke and seat the dual-gear stack on the drive shaft.

2. Bearing Lubrication: Place one drop of Deuthlon oil into each cleaned ball bearing.

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

4. Closing the Reel: Realign the side plates and tighten the thumb screws.

Technical Performance Summary

Adjust the mechanical tension knob until the side-to-side play of the spool is just barely eliminated. Test the 2-speed feature by tightening the drag, holding the spool firmly, and turning the handle; you should feel a distinct mechanical "shift" as the reel engages the low-gear power ratio. With Deuthlon oil on the oscillation parts and fresh grease on the drive teeth, your Ambassadeur 6500C3 2-Speed 91-0 is restored to its peak professional performance.