Ambassadeur 6500C3 Ct Mag Hi Speed 17 00

Technical Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Mag Hi-Speed (Model 17 00)

The Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Mag Hi-Speed (Foot Number 17 00) is the performance-tuned "Formula 1" variant of the 6500 series. The CT designation indicates an open-frame design with no levelwind, removing the primary source of mechanical drag. The Mag system provides an adjustable magnetic slider for real-time braking control, and the Hi-Speed designation confirms a 6.3:1 gear ratio, allowing for rapid line recovery—essential for long-distance surf casting where you need to keep pace with a fast-moving lure or fish.

The "17 00" code identifies a production revision from the late 2000s, featuring the modern Carbon Matrix Drag and high-speed Duragear™ brass internals.

Phase 1: Precision Teardown and Gear Inspection

Because this is a Hi-Speed model, the gear mesh and the magnetic slider require the most attention during the service.

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

2. Spool and 3-Bearing System: Slide the spool out. This model houses two high-speed stainless steel ball bearings and one IAR (Instant Anti-Reverse) roller bearing. Extract the spool bearings from the side plate and the spindle for a deep soak.

3. Magnetic Brake Assembly: On the non-handle side plate, inspect the magnetic carriage.

   • Maintenance Tip: If the slider feels "sticky," fine salt crystals may be trapped in the track. Use a soft brush and fresh water to rinse the track before drying and re-oiling.

4. Drive Train Breakdown: Remove the handle, star drag, and side plate cover. Lift the bridge to expose the 6.3:1 Hi-Speed brass main gear. Inspect the teeth carefully; high-speed gears have a finer pitch and are more sensitive to grit.

Phase 2: Cleaning and Degreasing Protocol

In a CT Mag, "friction is the enemy." Any residue on the spool edges or magnets will create inconsistent braking and "stuttering" during a long cast.

• Hard Part Degreasing: Submerge the main gear and pinion gear in a high-grade degreaser. Use a soft brush to scrub the teeth until they are "surgically" clean.

• Bearing Refresh (Crucial): Soak the ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged to eject micro-grit. Once dried, they should spin silently. If they feel "gritty," they will vibrate at high RPMs and kill your distance.

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

Phase 3: High-Performance Lubrication Protocol

For the 17 00 Hi-Speed, you want the spool to be as fast as the bearings allow, letting the magnets—not thick oil—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. Since these gears are disengaged during the cast, the grease will not affect your distance, but it is vital for protecting the finer teeth of the 6.3:1 gear set during high-speed retrieves.

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 fully.

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 Hi-Speed 17 00 is a precision instrument. With Deuthlon oil in the bearings and a clean magnetic field, this reel is capable of legendary distances. The 6.3:1 ratio means you can pick up slack line instantly after a massive cast. 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.