Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT BLUEYONDER 0900

Technical Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Blue Yonder (Model 09 00)

The Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Blue Yonder (Foot Number 09 00) is the purist's casting machine. Produced in the late 1990s, the "CT" designation indicates a non-levelwind frame. By removing the worm gear and line guide, Abu Garcia eliminated the primary source of mechanical friction, allowing the spool to reach significantly higher RPMs than standard C3 models.

Because the spool is "free-floating" during the cast and not synchronized to a levelwind, the performance of the 09 00 depends entirely on two factors: the condition of the high-speed ball bearings and the cleanliness of the centrifugal brake system.

Phase 1: Precision Teardown and Gear Inspection

Since this model lacks a levelwind system, the teardown is streamlined but requires high attention to the spool's axial components.

1. Right Side Plate Removal: Loosen the knurled captive screws. Pull the iconic blue side plate away to reveal the spool.

2. Spool and 3-Bearing System: Slide the spool out. You will find two high-grade stainless steel ball bearings (usually one on the spool shaft and one in the side plate). Extract these for deep cleaning.

3. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, star drag, and the side plate cover. Lift the bridge to expose the brass main gear and the Carbon Matrix drag stack. Check the pinion gear and yoke for any old, hardened grease that could hinder the "free-spool" release.

4. Centrifugal Brake Hub: On the non-handle side of the spool, inspect the brake carrier. Ensure the brake blocks (weights) are present and the pins are not bent or corroded.

Phase 2: Deep Cleaning and Degreasing

In a CT Blue Yonder, the goal is "zero resistance." Any old grease acts like a physical brake on your casting distance.

• Hard Part Degreasing: Submerge the main gear and pinion gear in a high-grade degreaser. Use a soft brush to remove old grease from the teeth.

• Bearing Refresh (Crucial): Soak the ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged. Once dried, they should spin for several seconds with a light flick. If they feel "crunchy," replace them immediately with ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 stainless steel or ceramic bearings.

• Brake Drum Cleaning: Use a cotton swab with alcohol to clean the brass brake drum inside the non-handle side plate. This drum must be surgically dry. Any oil here will cause the brakes to slip, leading to an uncontrollable spool and "bird's nests."

Phase 3: High-Performance Lubrication Protocol

In a distance-casting reel, the rule is: Oil for the cast, grease for the retrieve.

The Spool Bearings (Speed Zone)

Apply only one drop of Deuthlon Reel Power Oil to each cleaned spool bearing. This ultra-thin synthetic oil allows for maximum velocity while providing enough film strength to prevent heat damage. Never use grease in CT bearings.

Main and Pinion Gears (Power Zone)

Apply a thin, even coat of high-viscosity gear grease to the teeth of the brass main gear. This provides the "buttery" feel during the retrieve without affecting the cast, as these gears are fully disengaged when the thumb bar is pressed.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Fine-Tuning

1. Rebuild the Drive 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 sequence.

2. Centrifugal Brake Setting: For general surf casting, start with two blocks active (pushed out). For maximum distance with heavy leads, experienced casters often drop down to one block or even remove them entirely, relying solely on thumb control.

3. Mechanical Calibration: This is critical. Realign the side plates and tighten the thumb screws. Adjust the mechanical tension knob until the spool has a tiny, almost imperceptible amount of side-to-side play (roughly the thickness of a piece of paper).

Technical Performance Summary

The Blue Yonder 09 00 is essentially an "open-heart" reel. Without the levelwind to hide mechanical flaws, you will feel every vibration. With Deuthlon oil in the bearings and a perfectly dry brake drum, this reel is capable of extreme distances. If you experience a "screaming" sound during the cast, it is almost always a sign that the spool bearings need a fresh drop of oil.

Are you using this for surf fishing or tournament casting? I can suggest a specific brake block configuration based on your line weight.