Ambassadeur 6500Cs Rocket 01 06

Technical Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Rocket (Edition 01 06)

The Ambassadeur 6500CS Rocket (01 06) is a perennial favorite for anglers demanding high-speed retrieval and long-distance casting. The "01 06" designation refers to specific design iterations in the spool and brake housing. Maintaining this model requires a delicate balance between protecting the heavy-duty brass gearing and ensuring the casting components remain friction-free.

Following this professional service routine will keep your Rocket firing accurately and surviving the harshest environments.

Step 1: Component Breakdown

To begin the repair or service, start by stripping the reel into its three primary sub-assemblies: the crank side plate, the frame/levelwind, and the spool.

1. Frame Inspection: Check the frame for alignment. The Rocket utilizes a chrome-plated brass frame; ensure the pillars are tight. Any torque in the frame will cause the spool to rub, destroying your casting performance.

2. Drive Train Removal: Remove the handle and the star drag. Take note of the concave orientation of the spring (Belleville) washers. Unscrew the side plate screws to access the bridge assembly.

3. Levelwind Assembly: Remove the line guide nut and slide the worm gear out. This is a high-wear area on the 01 06 model that often collects sand and grit.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning and Degreasing

For a thorough repair, all old lubricants must be stripped. Use a non-corrosive solvent to clean the following:

• The Worm Shaft: This must be spotless. Even a microscopic grain of sand in the "tracks" of the worm gear can cause the levelwind to hitch.

• The Pinion Yoke: Clean the yoke and the pinion gear to ensure smooth engagement when switching from freespool to retrieve.

• The Spool Bearings: If the bearings are shielded, remove the shields (if possible) to flush out old, thickened oil.

Step 3: Precision Lubrication Strategy

The secret to a "super-tuned" Rocket lies in using the right viscosity for the right part. For the 6500CS Rocket, we deviate from standard "all-purpose" greases.

Power Components (Grease)

The main gear and pinion gear sustain the most pressure during a fight.

• Apply a medium-viscosity marine grease to the teeth of the brass main gear.

• Lightly coat the pinion gear and the jack plate. This prevents metal-on-metal galling and provides a "quiet" feel to the retrieve.

Casting Components (Deuthlon Oil)

The levelwind system on the 01 06 model is a "drag" on the spool during the cast. To negate this, you need a lubricant that offers extreme lubricity without the weight of grease.

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

• Deuthlon’s advanced synthetic formula creates a boundary layer that allows the idler gears to spin with near-zero resistance, effectively increasing your casting distance by allowing the levelwind to track the line more fluidly.

Step 4: Reassembly and Testing

1. Set the Drag: Reassemble the drag stack. The Carbon Matrix system in the Rocket 01 06 is designed to be run dry for maximum "bite" or with a very light film of drag grease for smoothness.

2. Align the Spool: Slide the spool back into the frame. Ensure the centrifugal brake weights are set (two "on" and four "off" is the standard factory setting for most lures).

3. Final Tensioning: Once the side plate is secured, adjust the mechanical brake knob (the small knob under the handle). Tighten it until the spool has zero side-to-side play, then back it off just enough so the spool can "knock" slightly.

Maintenance Schedule

• Every 5 Trips: Add one drop of Deuthlon oil to each end of the levelwind worm gear.

• Once a Season: Perform a full teardown, replacing the grease on the main gears and inspecting the drag washers for glazing or flattening.

• Post-Saltwater Use: Always perform a freshwater wipe-down. Salt is the primary enemy of the 6500CS's chrome finish and internal brass components.