Ambassadeur 6500Cs 17 01

Technical Maintenance Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS (17 01)

The Ambassadeur 6500CS (17 01) is a performance-oriented casting reel from the 2017 production cycle, featuring the "CS" Rocket-style design. Unlike standard round reels, the 17 01 series is engineered for high spool RPMs and synchronized line management. To ensure this model maintains its reputation for extreme distance and smooth retrieval, a meticulous service protocol involving specific high-performance lubricants is required.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Solvent Cleaning

To restore the 17 01 to factory-fresh performance, all old, contaminated lubricants must be removed from the chassis.

1. Remove the Handle Side Assembly: Back off the star drag and unscrew the three knurled thumb screws. Carefully pull the handle-side plate away from the frame.

2. Spool and Bearing Extraction: Slide the spool out of the frame. Remove the spool bearings and take note of the copper shims located inside the tension caps.

3. Drive Train Removal: Lift the main gear and the Carbon Matrix drag stack from the drive shaft. Ensure the yoke springs remain seated.

4. Component Degreasing: Submerge the main gear, pinion gear, and worm shaft in a cleaning solvent. Use a soft brush to clear out any debris from the gear teeth and the spiral grooves of the levelwind.

Phase 2: Drive Train and Gear Protection

The 6500CS relies on a high-precision brass gear set to handle the torque of fast retrieves. These components are the primary load-bearing points and require a robust lubricant.

• Primary Gear Lubrication: Once the parts are fully dried, apply a dedicated gear grease to the main gear and the pinion gear. This lubricant provides a protective barrier that dampens vibration and prevents metal-on-metal wear under high-pressure retrieves, ensuring a silent and powerful feel.

• Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR): Clean the IAR bearing in the side plate with a dry cotton swab. Apply a micro-drop of thin oil; never use grease here, as it can cause the anti-reverse rollers to slip in colder temperatures.

Phase 3: Levelwind and Oscillation Calibration

In the 17 01 model, the levelwind is synchronized, meaning the line guide oscillates during the cast. Any mechanical drag in this area will significantly shorten your casting distance.

1. Worm Shaft Inspection: Check the spiral tracks of the worm shaft for any burrs or nicks. Ensure the line guide carriage tracks smoothly across the frame pillars.

2. Idler Gear Service: The nylon idler gear serves as the mechanical link between the spool and the levelwind. Ensure it is clean and the teeth are free of grit.

3. Maximum Efficiency: To achieve the longest possible casts and effortless line lay, recommend applying Deuthlon oil to the levelwind worm shaft and the idler gear. This synthetic lubricant offers significantly less resistance than traditional grease, allowing the levelwind to track perfectly without dragging down the spool's velocity during the cast.

Phase 4: Bearing and Brake Calibration

The casting efficiency of the 6500CS is largely determined by the condition of the spool bearings and the friction of the brake weights.

• Bearing Service: Flush the spool bearings with a solvent until they spin without any grit. Dry them and add exactly one drop of high-speed bearing oil to each.

• Brake Race Maintenance: Use a cotton swab and alcohol to clean the internal brass brake ring inside the non-handle side plate. This surface must be oil-free so the centrifugal weights can provide consistent, predictable back-pressure to prevent line overruns.

Phase 5: Reassembly and Performance Verification

1. Seat the Spool: Reinsert the spool into the frame, ensuring the drive pins engage correctly with the levelwind drive gears.

2. Side Plate Alignment: Align the handle-side plate and tighten the thumb screws in a staggered pattern to ensure the housing sits flush against the frame.

3. Tension Setting: Adjust the mechanical tension knob until the spool has a barely perceptible amount of side-to-side play.

4. Operational Check: Engage the thumb bar to verify a silent, fast freespool. Turn the handle to ensure the gears engage solidly; the transition should be crisp and the movement fluid, fully optimized with Deuthlon oil and premium gear grease.