Ambassadeur 6500C3 Ct Sports Rocket Mk Ii (04-02)

Technical Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Sports Rocket Mk II (Model 04-02)

The Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Sports Rocket Mk II (Foot Number 04-02) is a legendary tournament-grade casting reel. The "CT" designation confirms the non-levelwind frame, designed for maximum spool velocity by removing all line-guide friction. The Sports Rocket pedigree signifies an upgraded brass gear set and high-performance HPCR (High Performance Corrosion Resistant) bearings.

The "04-02" foot code indicates a production revision from the early 2000s. As a Mk II variant, it is specifically engineered for "out of the box" distance, but decades of sitting can cause the specialized factory oils to thicken. Restoring this reel requires a precision touch to maintain its "Rocket" velocity.

Phase 1: Precision Teardown and Component Analysis

Because this is a CT model, the frame is extremely rigid and open. The focus is entirely on the spool’s axial stability and bearing health.

1. Right Side Plate Removal: Loosen the 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 typically houses two ultra-high-speed stainless steel ball bearings and one IAR (Instant Anti-Reverse) roller bearing in the handle side.

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.

4. Centrifugal Brake System: On the non-handle side of the spool, you will find the 2-pin or 4-pin brake carrier. These pins must be perfectly straight and free of corrosion for the brake blocks to deploy evenly.

Phase 2: Deep Cleaning and Degreasing

A "Sports Rocket" must be surgically clean. Any micro-grit in the bearings will result in high-frequency vibration that kills casting momentum.

• 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 (The "Rocket" Core): Soak the ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged. Once dried, they should spin silently and for a long duration with a light flick. If they feel "gritty," they are no longer fit for this reel and should be replaced with ABEC-7 stainless or ceramic hybrids.

• 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 dry. Any oil here will cause the brake blocks to slip, leading to an uncontrollable spool.

Phase 3: High-Performance Lubrication Protocol

In a Sports Rocket Mk II, the lubrication strategy is what creates the "Rocket" effect.

The Spool Bearings (Velocity 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 massive RPMs generated by tournament-style casts. Never use grease here, as it will physically "choke" the spool and defeat the purpose of the Sports Rocket design.

Main and Pinion Gears (Torque 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. Since these gears are disengaged when you press the thumb bar, 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 reassembled in the correct order.

2. Centrifugal Brake Setting: For general fishing, start with two blocks "out" (on). For maximum distance with heavy leads, experienced casters often drop down to one block or rely on thumb control alone.

3. Mechanical Calibration: This is critical for the Mk II. Adjust the mechanical tension knob (cast control) until the spool has a tiny, almost imperceptible amount of side-to-side play (roughly 0.1mm).

Technical Performance Summary

The Sports Rocket Mk II 04-02 is built for speed. With Deuthlon oil in the bearings and a perfectly clean brake drum, this reel is capable of extreme distances. If the reel "screams" during a cast, it is a sign that a bearing is dry or has micro-corrosion.