Ambassadeur 6500C3 CTMAG 0900

Technical Restoration Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Mag (Foot Number 09-00)

The Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Mag (Foot Number 09-00) is a high-performance open-frame reel originally produced around 1999–2000. The CT designation signifies a "Clean Top" frame with no levelwind, eliminating the primary source of mechanical drag. The Mag system provides an adjustable magnetic braking slider on the non-handle side plate, allowing you to control spool speed in real-time.

Because this reel is designed for high-RPM surf and tournament casting, it is extremely sensitive to lubricant viscosity. Restoring an 09-00 requires a precision approach to unlock its 200-yard+ potential.

Phase 1: Precision Teardown and Brake Analysis

Without a levelwind, the mechanical focus is entirely on the spool spindle, the bearings, and the magnetic slider mechanism.

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

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

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

   • Maintenance Tip: If the slider is stiff, do not force it. Salt crystals often build up in the track; rinse with warm fresh water and dry thoroughly before applying a tiny drop of oil.

4. 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.

Phase 2: Deep Cleaning and Degreasing

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

• Hard Part Degreasing: Submerge the main gear and pinion gear in a high-grade degreasing solvent. 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 years of micro-grit. Once dried, they should spin silently and for an extended duration with a light flick. If they feel "gritty," they will vibrate at high speeds 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 film of oil or salt between the magnets and the spool will interfere with the braking field’s efficiency.

Phase 3: High-Performance Lubrication Protocol

For the 09-00, you want the spool to be as fast as possible, 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 allows for maximum RPM stability (30,000+ RPM) without the "clamping" effect of heavy grease. Never use grease in these 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 ensures the reel feels smooth and quiet during the retrieve. Since these gears are disengaged during the cast, the grease will not affect your distance.

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. 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 the spool to center itself at extreme speeds.

Technical Performance Summary

The CT Mag 09-00 is essentially a "tuned" instrument. With Deuthlon oil in the bearings and a surgically clean magnetic field, this reel is capable of legendary distances. During the cast, start with the Mag slider on "Full" and slowly slide it toward "Min" as the lure reaches its apex to "open up" the spool for the final glide.