Ambassadeur 6500C3 Ct Mag(07-00)

Technical Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Mag (Model 07-00)

The Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Mag (Foot Number 07-00) is a premier long-distance casting reel, produced in the late 1990s (approx. 1997). The CT designation indicates a "Clean Top" or non-levelwind frame, which eliminates the mechanical drag of the worm gear and line guide. The Mag system provides an adjustable magnetic braking slider on the non-handle side plate, allowing you to control the spool's acceleration in real-time.

Because this reel is designed for high-RPM casting, it is extremely sensitive to lubricant viscosity. Restoring a 07-00 requires a "Speed-Tuning" approach: stripping away old, thickened grease and replacing it with high-performance synthetics to unlock its original 200-yard+ potential.

Phase 1: Precision Teardown and Brake Analysis

Since there is no levelwind, the mechanical focus is entirely on the spool spindle, the bearings, and the magnetic slider.

1. Right Side Plate Removal: Loosen the two or three knurled captive screws. Pull the handle side plate away to reveal the spool and bridge.

2. Spool and 3-Bearing System: Slide the spool out. This model features two high-speed stainless steel ball bearings (usually one on the spindle and one in the side plate) and one IAR (Instant Anti-Reverse) roller bearing.

3. Magnetic Brake Inspection: On the non-handle side plate, move the external slider. Ensure the internal magnetic carriage moves toward and away from the spool seat smoothly.

   • Maintenance Tip: If the slider is stiff, do not force it. Salt crystals often build up in the slider track; rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly before proceeding.

4. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, star drag, and side plate cover. Lift the bridge to expose the brass main gear and the original fiber or early Carbon Matrix drag stack.

Phase 2: Deep Cleaning and Degreasing

In a CT Mag, any stray grease acts as a "speed killer." Grease that migrates onto the spool edges or magnets will create inconsistent braking.

• Hard Part Degreasing: Submerge the main gear and pinion gear in a high-grade degreaser. Scrub the teeth with a soft brush to remove decades of "varnished" lubricants.

• Bearing Refresh (Crucial): Soak the ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged. Once dried, they should spin silently and freely for several seconds. If they feel "gritty," they will vibrate at high speeds and ruin your cast.

• Magnet and Spool Edge Cleaning: Use a cotton swab with alcohol to wipe the magnets and the flat inner rim of the spool. Magnetic braking relies on Eddy Currents; any film of oil or salt between the magnets and the aluminum spool will interfere with the braking field.

Phase 3: High-Performance Lubrication Protocol

For the 07-00, you want the spool to be as fast as the bearings allow, letting the magnets handle the braking duty.

The Spool Bearings (Speed Zone)

Apply only one drop of Deuthlon Reel Power Oil to each cleaned spool bearing. This ultra-thin synthetic oil is designed to withstand the 30,000+ RPMs this reel can achieve. Never use grease in CT bearings, as it will physically "choke" the spool and defeat the purpose of the open frame.

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 ensures the reel feels solid and quiet during the retrieve. Since these gears are disengaged during the cast, the grease will not affect your distance.

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 drag washers are clean and reassembled in the correct order.

2. Magnetic Slider Calibration: Reassemble the side plates. Move the external mag-slider to "Max" and verify the internal magnets move toward the spool. Move it to "Min" and ensure they retract.

3. Mechanical Calibration: Adjust the mechanical tension knob until the spool has a tiny, almost imperceptible amount of side-to-side play (roughly 0.1mm). This "floating" position is essential for distance.

Technical Performance Summary

The CT Mag 07-00 is a "tuned" instrument. With Deuthlon oil in the bearings and a perfectly clean magnetic field, this reel is capable of extreme distances. During the cast, you can start with the Mag slider on "Full" and slowly slide it toward "Min" as the lure reaches the apex of its flight to gain extra yards.