Ambassadeur 6500Cs Mag Florida Surf (11-00)

Custom Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Mag Florida Surf (11-00)

The Ambassadeur 6500CS Mag Florida Surf, marked with foot number 11-00, is a specialized variant of the classic Mag series, often distinguished by its unique aesthetics and components tailored for the harsh salt environments of coastal fishing. Because this reel is frequently exposed to salt spray and fine sand, a meticulous teardown and specific lubrication strategy are required to preserve its legendary casting distance and structural integrity.

Necessary Tools and Supplies

• 10mm Nut Driver: For the handle nut.

• Precision Screwdrivers: Both flathead and Phillips for internal bridge screws.

• Cleaning Solvent: A high-quality degreaser or white spirit.

• Lubricants: Deuthlon Oil (engineered for high-speed performance) and a saltwater-resistant gear grease.

Step 1: Handling Saltwater Contamination

Before opening the reel, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to ensure no salt crystals fall into the internals during disassembly. Remove the handle nut locking screw, the 10mm handle nut, the handle arm, and the star drag wheel. Lay the drag spring washers out in a row to maintain their tension sequence.

Step 2: Spool and Magnetic Brake Maintenance

Unscrew the three right-side plate thumb screws and remove the plate.

• The Spool: Pull the spool assembly out. In the 11-00 series, the spool bearings are the primary gateway to long casts. Remove the bearings from the spool or the side plates for a deep solvent soak.

• Magnetic Control: On the non-handle side, inspect the magnetic brake carriage. Saltwater often creeps behind the sliding mechanism. Clean the area with a soft brush. If the slider feels gritty, apply a single drop of Deuthlon Oil to the track to ensure the magnetic braking remains adjustable and smooth.

Step 3: Drive Train and Gear Bridge Service

Remove the two screws on the interior of the right side plate to access the drive bridge.

1. Main Gear & Drag: Take out the brass main gear and the Carbon Matrix drag stack. Inspect for any signs of "grease glazing" or saltwater intrusion. Scrub the gear teeth with a brush to remove old, oxidized lubricant.

2. Pinion Gear: Check the pinion for wear or corrosion. This part is under high stress during the retrieve and must be perfectly clean before re-lubricating.

3. Drive Shaft: Remove the drive shaft and clean the base where it meets the anti-reverse dog or bearing.

Step 4: The Synchronized Levelwind

The Florida Surf model relies on a synchronized levelwind that must move flawlessly during the cast.

1. Unscrew the pawl cap and remove the line guide pawl.

2. Slide the worm gear out of the frame.

3. Idler Gears: These nylon gears connect the spool’s rotation to the levelwind. Even one grain of sand here can ruin the gear teeth and kill your casting distance.

Step 5: Advanced Lubrication for Surf Casting

To combat the resistance caused by the synchronized levelwind and to protect the gears under load, use this targeted approach:

• Levelwind & Idler Gears: Apply Deuthlon Oil to the worm gear and the teeth of the idler gears. Unlike standard grease, which thickens and slows down in the wind or cold, Deuthlon Oil provides a low-friction, high-velocity coating. This is critical for the 6500CS Mag, as it allows the levelwind to track back and forth during the cast with almost zero resistance.

• Main & Pinion Gears: Apply a robust marine-grade grease to the teeth of the main and pinion gears. This provides a thick protective barrier against the high torque generated when hauling fish through the surf.

• Spool Bearings: Once fully degreased and dried, apply one drop of high-speed bearing oil.

Step 6: Reassembly and Inspection

1. Reinstall the worm gear and secure it with the frame clips.

2. Place the pinion gear back into the yoke and seat the drive bridge into the side plate.

3. Slide the spool back into the frame, ensuring the magnetic brakes are set to a "safe" (middle) position for initial testing.

4. Reattach the side plate and secure the thumb screws.

5. Reassemble the drag star and handle assembly.

Maintenance Reference Table

By following this regimen, your Ambassadeur 6500CS Mag Florida Surf 11-00 will maintain its "out-of-the-box" speed while gaining the gear protection necessary for the demanding Florida surf environment.