Ambassadeur 6500Cs Rocket Premium 19 00

Mechanical Restoration: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Rocket Premium (Edition 19 00)

The Ambassadeur 6500CS Rocket Premium (19 00) is an elite-tier iteration of the legendary Rocket series, often featuring upgraded components and enhanced tolerances for professional-grade casting. As a "CS" model, it features the classic side-plate configuration with a synchronized levelwind system. This means the line guide remains active during the cast, necessitating a very specific lubrication profile to ensure that mechanical synchronization doesn't bleed off your casting momentum.

This guide details the specialized service required to keep the Premium 19 00 performing at the top of its class.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Component Audit

The Premium 19 00 requires a methodical teardown to inspect the high-precision interfaces of the drive train.

1. Handle and Drag Stack: Remove the handle nut, handle, and the star drag wheel. Beneath the star, remove the two spring washers. In the Premium edition, ensure these washers are not flattened, as they are crucial for the "micro-click" drag adjustments.

2. Side Plate and Gear Tray: Loosen the three knurled screws on the drive-side plate and pull it away. This exposes the heavy-duty brass main gear. Carefully remove the pinion gear and the white plastic yoke, checking for any debris trapped in the yoke's seat.

3. Spool and Brake System: Remove the spool from the frame. The 19 00 model typically utilizes a refined centrifugal brake hub. Inspect the brake blocks; they should be dry and slide freely on their pins without any oil contamination.

Phase 2: Ultrasonic Cleaning and Preparation

To achieve "Premium" smoothness, all old, factory-applied or contaminated lubricants must be completely purged.

• Drive Gears: Soak the main brass gear and the pinion gear in a high-grade solvent or isopropyl alcohol. Use a brush to clear the "valleys" between the gear teeth. Inspect for any burrs—the Premium's brass is tough, but grit can still cause premature wear.

• Levelwind Assembly: Remove the line guide pawl and the worm shaft. Clean the worm shaft until it is mirror-bright. Any buildup of old grease here will act as a brake during the cast.

• Bearings: Flush the high-speed spool bearings. They should spin silently and for an extended duration when dry. If they feel "crunchy," replace them with ABEC-5 or higher rated bearings to match the reel's Premium status.

Phase 3: Precision Lubrication and Tuning

The performance of the 6500CS Rocket Premium is defined by how you balance protection and speed.

High-Pressure Contact Points (Grease)

The main gear and pinion gear are the primary torque-transfer points.

• Apply a specialized, high-adhesion gear grease to the teeth of the main gear.

• A light coating on the pinion gear and the drive shaft is also necessary. This provides a "cushion" during the retrieve and prevents the brass from oxidizing in humid conditions.

The Synchronization Train (Deuthlon Oil)

Because the levelwind and idler gears move in tandem with the spool on every cast, using grease here is the fastest way to kill your distance.

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

• Deuthlon oil provides an ultra-thin, high-strength film that allows the idler gears to spin with almost zero rotational resistance. For the 19 00 Premium, this is the most critical step; it ensures the energy from the spool is used for the cast rather than overcoming the friction of the levelwind system.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Drag Rebuild: Reinstall the Carbon Matrix drag washers. Ensure the sequence is metal/carbon/metal. For the 19 00, these are best run dry for a crisp, high-pressure response.

2. Side Plate Alignment: Align the side plate with the frame and seat it. Ensure the pinion gear has clicked into the yoke correctly before tightening the thumb screws.

3. The "Lateral Float" Adjustment: Adjust the mechanical tension knob (the small knob on the handle side). Tighten it until the spool is centered, then back it off until there is just a hair of side-to-side play. This allows the bearings to spin at their theoretical maximum RPM.

Premium Maintenance Standards

• Post-Use Protocol: If used in brackish water, mist the reel with freshwater and wipe down. Never submerge the reel, as this pushes salt into the gearbox.

• Levelwind Maintenance: The worm gear is the most exposed part of the 19 00. Every few trips, wipe the shaft clean and add one fresh drop of Deuthlon oil.

• Storage: Store with the drag fully backed off to prevent the carbon washers from "glazing" and to keep the drag performance smooth and predictable.