Ambassadeur 6500CS PROROCKET 1100

Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Pro Rocket 1100

The Ambassadeur 6500CS Pro Rocket 1100 is a masterpiece of Swedish engineering, known for its iconic heritage and relentless durability in both fresh and saltwater. However, even a reel built like a tank requires precision maintenance to ensure the centrifugal braking system and brass gears perform at their peak.

This guide provides a technical walkthrough for stripping, cleaning, and lubricating your 6500CS Pro Rocket to restore that "out of the box" smoothness.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Inspection

Before beginning, ensure you have a clean workspace and a schematic for reference. The 1100 series features a synchronized levelwind system, which means the line guide moves during both the cast and the retrieve.

1. Remove the Handle Assembly: Back off the handle nut retainer screw, unscrew the handle nut, and remove the handle, star drag, and spring washers. Keep these in the order they were removed to ensure the drag stack tension remains consistent.

2. Access the Internals: Loosen the three thumb screws on the drive-side plate. Carefully pull the side plate away from the frame. This will expose the main gear, pinion gear, and drag system.

3. Spool Removal: Slide the spool out of the frame. Inspect the spool shaft and the centrifugal brake weights. Ensure the brake weights are moving freely on their pins; any salt buildup here will severely kill your casting distance.

Phase 2: Cleaning the Components

Degreasing is the most critical step. Old, polymerized grease acts as an abrasive, grinding down the teeth of your gears over time.

• Soak: Place the brass main gear, pinion gear, and drive shaft in a specialized degreaser or high-grade isopropyl alcohol.

• Scrub: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove debris from between the gear teeth.

• Dry: Ensure all parts are 100% dry before applying new lubricants, as moisture trapped under grease leads to corrosion.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication

Modern synthetic lubricants significantly outperform older mineral-based options. For the 6500CS Pro Rocket, we use a dual-lubricant approach to balance speed with protection.

The Drive Train (Grease)

The main gear and pinion gear are the workhorses of the reel. These require a high-cling, water-resistant grease.

• Apply a light, even coat of grease to the teeth of the main gear.

• Avoid "over-packing" the gearbox; excess grease will migrate into the drag washers, causing them to slip or become jerky.

The Levelwind and Idler Gears (Deuthlon Oil)

Because the levelwind on the Pro Rocket 1100 is synchronized, it creates friction during the cast. To maximize distance, you need a high-performance lubricant with low viscosity but high film strength.

• Recommendation: Apply Deuthlon oil to the levelwind worm shaft and the plastic idler gears.

• Deuthlon’s properties allow the levelwind to oscillate with minimal resistance, significantly reducing the "drag" felt during long-distance power casts.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Drag Calibration

1. The Drag Stack: Reinstall the Carbon Matrix drag washers dry or with a micro-layer of specialized drag grease. Ensure the "ears" of the metal washers seat correctly into the main gear.

2. Seating the Side Plate: Align the pinion gear with the spool shaft and press the side plate back onto the frame. Tighten the thumb screws in a staggered pattern to ensure even pressure.

3. Function Check: Engage the freespool and spin the spool. It should rotate silently. Engage the drive and turn the handle; the movement should be buttery and silent.

Pro Tips for Longevity

• Rinse After Use: If using the Pro Rocket in brackish or saltwater, always rinse it with a light mist of freshwater. Never use high pressure, as this forces salt deeper into the bearings.

• Storage: Always back off the star drag completely when the reel is not in use. This prevents the drag washers from becoming compressed and losing their "memory," ensuring a smooth startup the next time you hook a fish.