Ambassadeur 6500C3 Camo 1702

Technical Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 Camo (Model 17 02)

The Ambassadeur 6500C3 Camo (Foot Number 17 02) is a specialized variant of the legendary C3 series, featuring a distinct camouflage finish on the side plates. This "17 02" designation corresponds to a production series from the late 2000s (roughly 2007-2008).

Underneath the camo exterior, it utilizes a 3-bearing system (2 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing) and a synchronized levelwind. Because the camo finish is an applied coating, it is essential to use cleaning agents that won't degrade the aesthetic while ensuring the mechanical internals are stripped of old, "clumpy" grease to restore its high-speed casting potential.

Phase 1: Precision Teardown and Gear Inspection

To protect the camo finish, use a clean, soft work mat and ensure your tools (specifically the flat-head screwdriver) are a perfect fit for the screws to prevent slipping.

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

2. Spool and Bearing Extraction: Slide the spool out. Locate the two stainless steel ball bearings (one in the tension knob side and one in the non-handle side plate). Remove the wire C-clips to extract the bearings.

3. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, star drag, and the side plate cover. Lift the main gear off the drive shaft to expose the Carbon Matrix drag stack. Inspect the brass main gear and the pinion gear for any debris or flattened teeth.

4. Levelwind Assembly: Unscrew the pawl cap, remove the moon-shaped pawl, and slide the worm gear and its protective shroud out from the frame.

Phase 2: Cleaning and Degreasing Protocol

Since this is a "Camo" model, be extra careful during the cleaning process to avoid getting high-strength solvents on the exterior of the side plates.

• Internal Hard Parts: Submerge the main gear, pinion gear, and worm shaft in a degreasing solvent. Use a soft brush to scrub the roots of the gear teeth until they are "surgically" clean.

• Bearing Refresh: Soak the stainless steel ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged to eject micro-grit. Once dried, they should spin silently. Do not soak the IAR roller bearing; simply wipe it with a clean cloth.

• Camo Side Plate Care: Wipe the exterior of the camo plates with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using acetone or heavy degreasers on the outside, as they can lift or dull the camo pattern.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication Protocol

Achieving professional-grade performance requires using different viscosities for the high-speed oscillation parts versus the high-torque power parts.

Levelwind and Idler Gears (The Casting Chain)

The levelwind is synchronized, meaning it oscillates back and forth during the cast. To minimize mechanical drag, apply Deuthlon Reel Power Oil to the worm shaft and the teeth of the idler gears. This high-speed synthetic oil provides an ultra-slick, low-friction surface that won't "clump," allowing the line guide to move effortlessly across the spool 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 under the load of a fish.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Mechanical Calibration

1. Rebuild the Drive Bridge: Place the pinion gear into the yoke and seat the main gear on the drive shaft. Ensure the Carbon Matrix 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 high-RPM 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 camo side plates with the frame and tighten the thumb screws. Reinstall the star drag and handle.

Technical Performance Summary

Once reassembled, adjust the mechanical tension knob until the spool has zero side-to-side play. Engage the thumb bar and give the spool a flick; with Deuthlon oil on the high-speed components and fresh grease on the gears, your Ambassadeur 6500C3 Camo 17 02 will deliver a silent, powerful, and frictionless performance.