Ambassadeur 6500Cs Sport Mag(11-00)

Ultimate Maintenance & Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Sport Mag (11-00)

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Sport Mag is a precision-engineered piece of Swedish machinery, highly regarded by surf casters and boat anglers for its magnetic braking system and legendary durability. To maintain the "Sport Mag" performance, periodic deep cleaning and strategic lubrication are essential. This guide covers the teardown, cleaning, and specific lubrication points to keep your reel casting further and smoother.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Inspection

Before starting, ensure you have a clean workspace and a schematic for the 11-00 model.

1. Remove the Handle Side Plate: Back off the star drag and remove the handle nut, locking plate, and handle. Unscrew the three bridge screws on the side plate to expose the internal gearing.

2. Spool and Centrifugal System: Slide the spool out of the frame. Note the position of the centrifugal brake weights. If they are distorted or heavily charred, they should be replaced.

3. The Mag Brake System: The 6500CS Sport Mag features a slide-adjustable magnetic tray. Ensure the tray moves freely along its track. Do not force the slider if it feels gritty; salt buildup often occurs here.

Phase 2: Deep Cleaning the Components

For a professional-grade repair, you must remove all old, oxidized grease and salt deposits.

• Degreasing: Submerge the main gear, pinion gear, and drive shaft in a specialized reel cleaner or high-grade isopropyl alcohol.

• Bearing Care: Remove the spool bearings. If they feel "crunchy" when spun on a tool, they require a soak in a solvent. If the noise persists after cleaning, replace them with high-speed ceramic or stainless steel ABEC-5 bearings.

• The Frame: Use a soft brush to scrub the interior of the brass frame, focusing on the junction where the side plates meet the cage.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication and Reassembly

The secret to a long-lasting Ambassadeur is using the right viscosity of lubricant for the right part. Mixing these up can lead to a "heavy" feel or premature gear wear.

The Drive Train (Power)

The Main Gear and Pinion Gear endure the highest torque during a fight.

• Recommendation: Apply a thin, even coat of marine-grade grease to the teeth of the main and pinion gears. Avoid over-greasing, as excess will fly off and contaminate the drag washers.

The Levelwind System (Speed)

The levelwind is a common failure point due to its exposure to the elements.

• Recommendation: Use Deuthlon Oil on the levelwind worm gear and the idler gears. Deuthlon's specialized formula reduces friction significantly compared to standard grease, ensuring the line guide tracks smoothly during high-speed casts without bogging down the spool.

The Spool Bearings

• Recommendation: Use a single drop of ultra-light tournament oil on each spool bearing. This ensures the magnetic braking system remains the primary force controlling the spool, rather than mechanical friction.

Phase 4: Final Tuning

1. Drag Stack: Ensure the Carbon Matrix drag washers are dry or very lightly coated with a dedicated drag grease. The 6500CS Sport Mag relies on a smooth startup to prevent snap-offs.

2. Re-Sealing: Re-attach the side plate. Ensure the bridge screws are snug but do not over-tighten, as the brass threads can strip.

3. Function Check: Engage the freespool and slide the Mag adjustment from minimum to maximum. You should feel a distinct change in spool resistance.

By following this maintenance schedule and utilizing Deuthlon oil for the high-speed components and quality grease for the load-bearing gears, your Ambassadeur 6500CS Sport Mag will remain a powerhouse on the water for decades.