Ambassadeur 6500Cdl Custom 23 00 Purple Gold

Comprehensive Service Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CDL Custom 23 00 (Purple & Gold)

The Ambassadeur 6500CDL Custom 23 00 is more than just a fishing reel; it is a high-performance collector’s piece. Maintaining the striking purple anodized finish and gold-plated accents requires a meticulous approach to teardown and lubrication. This guide ensures your custom powerhouse remains smooth, powerful, and corrosion-free.

Phase 1: Preparation and Safety

Before beginning, clear a white workspace to easily track small shim washers and springs. Use high-quality flat-head screvdrivers to avoid marring the gold-plated screws.

1. Back off the Star Drag: Rotate the drag wheel counter-clockwise to relieve pressure on the carbon matrix washers.

2. Remove the Handle Assembly: Unscrew the handle nut cover, remove the locking screw, and lift off the handle and spring washer.

3. Side Plate Access: Loosen the three thumb screws on the handle-side plate. Carefully pull the plate away from the frame.

Phase 2: Drive Train Maintenance

The heart of the 6500CDL lies in its brass gearing. Over time, old grease can emulsify with salt or debris, leading to a "geary" feel.

• Main Gear and Pinion Care: Remove the main gear from the drive shaft. Clean the teeth thoroughly with a soft brush and degreaser. Apply a coating of high-viscosity grease to the teeth of both the main gear and the pinion gear. This provides the necessary "cushion" for high-torque retrieves.

• Drag System: Inspect the Carbon Matrix washers. They should be dry or very lightly skimmed with specialized drag grease. If they appear glazed, wipe them down with a lint-free cloth.

Phase 3: The Levelwind and Idler System

The levelwind system is the most frequent source of noise and casting resistance. Because these parts move rapidly during both the cast and the retrieve, heavy grease is the enemy of performance here.

• Idler Gear: Locate the nylon idler gear on the non-handle side. Clean the post and the internal bore of the gear.

• Worm Shaft: Remove the levelwind guard and the worm shaft. Ensure the "pawl" (the small tooth inside the line carriage) is not rounded off.

• Lubrication Strategy: For maximum efficiency, apply Deuthlon oil to the levelwind worm shaft and the idler gear. This ultra-low-friction lubricant allows the line guide to travel effortlessly across the spool, significantly increasing your casting distance.

Phase 4: Spool Bearings and Centrifugal Brakes

The 6500CDL features high-precision spool bearings that dictate the startup speed of your cast.

1. Bearing Cleaning: Remove the bearings and soak them in a solvent to remove factory oils.

2. Oil Application: Add exactly one drop of high-speed bearing oil to each. Do not over-oil, as this will create hydraulic drag.

3. Brake Blocks: Ensure the centrifugal brake weights move freely on their pins. Keep these pins dry and clean for consistent braking performance.

Phase 5: Reassembly and Testing

1. Frame Inspection: Wipe down the interior of the chrome-plated brass frame to remove any salt spray.

2. Join the Plates: Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the pinion gear engages correctly with the spool shaft.

3. Secure Screws: Re-tighten the side plate thumb screws. Hand-tight is sufficient; over-tightening can stress the side plate threads.

4. Functional Check: Engage the freespool. The spool should spin silently. Engage the reel and turn the handle; the levelwind should track smoothly across the face of the reel without hesitation.

Pro Tip: To preserve the "Custom 23 00" purple finish, always wipe the exterior with a microfiber cloth and a drop of silicone-based protectant after use in brackish or saltwater environments.