Ambassadeur 6500Cs Rocket 01 07

Comprehensive Overhaul: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Rocket (Edition 01 07)

The Ambassadeur 6500CS Rocket (01 07) is a legendary tool for surf casters and boat anglers alike. This specific iteration refined the tolerances of the spool-to-frame fit, making it a high-performance casting machine. To maintain the "Rocket" namesake, the reel requires a specific lubrication profile that balances the raw power of its brass gears with the high-speed requirements of its synchronized levelwind.

This repair article details the professional steps required to strip, service, and optimize the 01 07 model for maximum longevity.

Phase 1: Teardown and Evaluation

Proper repair begins with a systematic disassembly. The 01 07 model features a robust centrifugal braking system that must be handled with care.

1. Exterior Strip: Remove the handle nut, handle, and the star drag wheel. Beneath the star drag, remove the two spring washers; notice they sit "belly-to-belly" ($()$) to create tension.

2. Internal Access: Unscrew the three knurled captive screws on the right side plate. Gently pull the plate away. Take care not to drop the pinion gear, which may slide off the spool shaft.

3. Spool and Brake Removal: Pull the spool from the frame. Inspect the six-block centrifugal brake hub. Ensure the brake weights are not cracked and the brake track inside the side plate is free of oil and debris.

Phase 2: Ultrasonic Cleaning or Manual Degreasing

Old grease creates "drag" and traps salt crystals. For the 01 07 to perform, every moving part must be stripped to the bare metal.

• The Gears: Use a toothbrush to scrub the teeth of the main brass gear. Look for "burrs" or uneven wear patterns that indicate the reel was used under excessive load.

• The Bearings: This model relies on two high-quality spool bearings. Soak them in a solvent, spin them on the tip of a pencil to check for noise (grittiness), and blow them dry with compressed air.

• The Levelwind: Unscrew the pawl cap from the bottom of the line guide. Remove the pawl and the worm shaft. If the pawl shows a "flat spot" on its tooth, replace it immediately to prevent the levelwind from jamming.

Phase 3: Targeted Lubrication for Peak Performance

The 01 07 Rocket thrives when it is lubricated according to the mechanical load of each specific part.

High-Torque Components (Grease)

The main gear and pinion gear transfer all the power from your hand to the fish. These require a heavy-duty lubricant that won't "spin off" under high RPMs.

• Apply a specialized marine-grade grease to the teeth of the main gear.

• Lightly coat the yoke and the kick lever. This ensures the reel "clicks" into gear firmly and protects the brass from oxidation.

The Speed Train (Deuthlon Oil)

On the 6500CS Rocket, the levelwind and idler gears move during the cast. Using grease here is a common mistake that "chokes" the cast.

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

• Deuthlon oil provides a ceramic-like slickness that allows the levelwind to oscillate with virtually zero friction. This is essential for the 01 07 model, as it frees up energy that would otherwise be lost, resulting in significantly longer casts.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Rebuild the Drive: Slide the drive shaft back into the side plate, followed by the drag stack. The Carbon Matrix washers should be clean and flat.

2. Seat the Spool: Insert the spool back into the frame. Ensure the pinion gear is correctly seated in the yoke before closing the side plate.

3. The "Drop Test": With the reel reassembled, engage freespool and let a weight drop to the floor. The spool should spin effortlessly. Adjust the mechanical tension knob until the spool stops exactly when the weight hits the ground.

Pro Maintenance Tips

• Brake Track Maintenance: Keep the brass brake track inside the side plate bone-dry. Any oil here will cause the centrifugal brakes to fail, leading to professional-grade "birds-nests."

• Idler Gear Check: The plastic idler gears are the "weakest link." Inspect them for missing teeth; using Deuthlon oil on them regularly prevents the heat buildup that causes plastic fatigue.

• Freshwater Flush: After every outing, tighten the drag fully and rinse the reel. Loosen the drag completely for storage to protect the washer integrity.