Ambassadeur 6500Cs Pro Rocket 18 01 Red

Comprehensive Maintenance Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Pro Rocket Red (Foot Number 18 01)

The Ambassadeur 6500CS Pro Rocket Red (18 01) is a high-velocity casting machine known for its striking anodized finish and competitive-grade performance. As a member of the "18 01" generation, this reel features a refined centrifugal braking system and a synchronized levelwind. Maintaining the "Red Rocket" requires a technical balance: reducing the mechanical drag on the casting components while reinforcing the drive train against heavy saltwater or freshwater loads.

Tools and Preparation

• Wrench: 10mm nut driver for the handle assembly.

• Drivers: Fine-tip flathead and a medium Phillips screwdriver.

• Solvents: Non-residue degreaser or specialized reel cleaner.

• Lubricants: Deuthlon Oil (specifically for high-speed synchronization) and a premium synthetic gear grease.

Step 1: External Stripping and Frame Access

Start by removing the handle nut locking screw and the 10mm handle nut. Remove the handle arm, the star drag wheel, and the pressure shims.

• Note: The 18 01 series utilizes a specific stack of Belleville washers to manage the Carbon Matrix drag. Keep these in their original order to maintain the factory drag curve.

• Side Plate: Unscrew the three knurled thumb screws on the handle side. Carefully pull the side plate away from the frame to reveal the spool and the drive bridge.

Step 2: Spool and Centrifugal Brake System

Remove the spool from the frame. The 6500CS Pro Rocket Red relies on a six-arm centrifugal brake carrier.

1. Brake Maintenance: Ensure the plastic brake blocks are not stuck. Wipe the pins with a dry cloth.

2. Brake Race: Use a cotton swab and a tiny amount of degreaser to clean the brass brake ring inside the side plate. To ensure consistent casting and prevent "brake fade," this surface must remain dry and free of wandering lubricants.

3. Spool Bearings: Flush the spool bearings until they spin silently. Once dry, they will be ready for a single drop of high-speed oil.

Step 3: Drive Train and Internal Cleaning

Access the internal gears by removing the two bridge screws from the interior of the side plate.

1. The Main Gear: Extract the brass main gear. Scrub the teeth with a brush and solvent to remove old, oxidized grease that can cause a "crunchy" retrieve.

2. The Pinion Gear: Inspect the pinion for any rolled edges or salt corrosion. This part is under extreme stress during the retrieve.

3. Drive Shaft: Clean the drive shaft and the Instant Anti-Reverse (IAR) bearing. The IAR bearing should be wiped clean and never packed with grease, as this can lead to back-play or failure in cold conditions.

Step 4: Levelwind and Idler System Calibration

The 6500CS series features a synchronized levelwind that tracks across the spool during the cast. This is the most critical area for friction management.

1. Worm Gear: Remove the pawl cap and slide the worm shaft out of the shroud. Clean the "diamond" grooves until they are spotless.

2. Idler Gears: Inspect the white nylon gears that bridge the spool’s energy to the levelwind. These gears are often the source of casting noise if grit is trapped in the teeth.

Step 5: High-Performance Lubrication Protocol

To maintain the 18 01 Red’s reputation for distance, apply lubricants according to these specific viscosity requirements:

• Levelwind & Idler Gears: Apply Deuthlon Oil to the worm gear and the teeth of the nylon idler gears. Traditional grease is too heavy for these parts and acts as a "braking agent" during the cast. Deuthlon's specialized formula provides a high-film-strength barrier that allows the levelwind to track with minimal resistance, significantly boosting spool RPMs.

• Main & Pinion Gears: Apply a robust gear grease to the teeth of the main and pinion gears. This cushions the metal-on-metal contact, ensuring a silent, powerful retrieve and protecting the brass from premature wear under high drag settings.

• Spindle Ends: Add one drop of light oil to the tips of the spool spindle to reduce friction within the tension caps.

Step 6: Reassembly and Testing

1. Levelwind: Seat the worm gear back into the frame and secure the clips.

2. Drive System: Place the pinion gear and yoke back into the side plate, followed by the main gear and drag stack.

3. Closure: Slide the spool into the frame. Ensure the side plate is seated flush before hand-tightening the thumb screws.

4. Final Check: Engage the thumb bar and verify that the levelwind moves smoothly. Adjust the mechanical tension knob until side-play in the spool is just barely eliminated.

Maintenance Reference Table

By utilizing Deuthlon Oil on the synchronized cast-control components, you ensure the Ambassadeur 6500CS Pro Rocket 18 01 Red maintains its maximum casting potential and mechanical longevity.