Ambassadeur 6500C3 Ct Mag 18 00

Technical Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Mag (Model 18 00)

The Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Mag (Foot Number 18 00) is a modern, high-velocity "open-frame" casting reel. The "18" in the foot code signifies a production design or revision from 2008, while the "00" denotes the initial release of this specific configuration.

This model is a hybrid of tournament technology and fishing durability. By utilizing a CT frame (no levelwind), mechanical friction is stripped to the minimum. The Mag system provides a sliding magnetic brake that allows the caster to adjust spool tension in real-time—essential for "taming" the reel at the start of a massive cast or into a headwind.

Phase 1: Precision Teardown and Gear Inspection

Because the 18 00 lacks a levelwind, the mechanical focus is almost entirely on the spool’s rotation and the magnetic braking slider.

1. Right Side Plate Removal: Loosen the three knurled thumb screws. Pull the handle side plate away to reveal the spool.

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

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

4. Magnetic Slider Check: On the non-handle side plate, ensure the magnetic carriage moves smoothly when you operate the external slider. If it feels "gritty," fine salt or sand may have entered the slider track.

Phase 2: Cleaning and Degreasing Protocol

In a CT Mag reel, any stray grease is an enemy. Grease that migrates onto the spool edges or magnets will create inconsistent braking and "stuttering" casts.

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

• Bearing Refresh (Crucial): Soak the ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged to eject micro-grit. Once dried, they should spin silently and for an extended duration.

• Magnet and Spool Edge Cleaning: Use a cotton swab with alcohol to wipe the magnets and the flat edge of the aluminum spool. The magnetic brake works through "eddy currents"; any film of oil or salt between the magnets and the spool will interfere with the braking field.

Phase 3: High-Performance Lubrication Protocol

For the 18 00 model, 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 these bearings, as it will physically "choke" the spool and defeat the purpose of the CT 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 when the thumb bar is pressed, the grease will not affect your casting 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 Carbon Matrix drag washers are clean and stacked in the correct sequence.

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 (cast control) until the spool has a tiny, almost imperceptible amount of side-to-side play (roughly 0.1mm). This "floating" position allows the spool to center itself at high speeds.

Technical Performance Summary

The CT Mag 18 00 is a precision instrument. With Deuthlon oil in the bearings and a clean magnetic field, this reel is capable of extreme distances. During the cast, start with the Mag slider at approximately 75% power and slowly slide it toward "Min" as the lure reaches the apex of its flight to gain those final critical yards.

How are you finding the thumb control on this reel? Many casters find that the 18 00 is so fast it requires a very "light" thumb until the magnetic brakes take over mid-flight.