Ambassadeur 6500Ct Ph 18 00

Comprehensive Service Manual: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CT Premium Heritage

The Ambassadeur 6500CT Premium Heritage (PH) is a classic "CT" open-frame reel, prized by enthusiasts for its simplistic beauty and extreme casting reliability. Because it lacks the mechanical drag of a levelwind system, the PH model requires precise lubrication to manage its high rotational speeds.

This guide focuses on maintaining the integrity of the brass drive train and the free-floating spool system.

1. Preparation and Hardware Check

Ensure you have a schematic for the 6500CT PH on hand. This model utilizes a centrifugal braking system rather than magnets, requiring a steady hand when handling the small brake blocks.

• Materials Needed: 10mm wrench, flathead screwdriver, and a cleaning solvent.

• Lubrication Specification: High-viscosity grease for the drive train and high-performance Deuthlon oil for the spool speed components.

2. Side Plate and Spool Removal

1. Release the Side Plate: Unscrew the three knurled captive screws on the handle side. Pull the side plate away from the frame.

2. Spool Management: Carefully slide the spool out. Be mindful of the small centrifugal brake weights (blocks) located on the spool's brake hub. If these fall off, the reel will become "over-run" prone during casts.

3. Drive Gear Access: Remove the handle, star drag, and the tension spring washers. Lift the side plate to expose the bridge and gear assembly.

3. Cleaning and Degreasing

The 6500CT PH often suffers from "grease creep," where heavy gear grease migrates into the spool bearings, slowing down your cast.

• Use a solvent to strip all old lubricants from the main brass gear and the stainless steel pinion.

• Clean the spool bearings until they spin for several seconds when flicked. This is the "dry test" to ensure no residue remains.

4. Technical Lubrication Instructions

The CT (Casting Trophy) designation confirms that this reel contains no levelwind assembly and no idler gears. Standard Ambassadeur maintenance often mentions idler lubrication, but for the 6500CT PH, those components do not exist.

• Main Gear & Pinion: Apply a generous coating of quality marine grease to the main gear teeth. This protects the brass-on-steel contact point under the high pressure of a heavy retrieve.

• Spool Shaft & Bearings: Apply one drop of Deuthlon oil to each spool bearing.

• Centrifugal Brake Hub: Use a cotton swab to apply a microscopic film of Deuthlon oil to the inner race of the brake hub. This ensures the brake blocks provide consistent, smooth friction without "chattering" during the high-RPM phase of the cast.

5. Reassembly and Drag Calibration

1. Inspect the drag stack. If the PH model is equipped with Carbon Matrix washers, they should be kept clean and dry for maximum stopping power.

2. Seat the pinion gear back into the yoke and replace the side plate.

3. Reattach the handle assembly, ensuring the spring washers (Belleville washers) are facing each other in an "( )" orientation to provide the correct tension for the star drag.

6. SEO Performance Insights for Enthusiasts

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CT PH is a purist's reel. By removing the idler gears and levelwind, the design maximizes spool momentum. Proper maintenance using Deuthlon oil on the spool's contact points ensures the "Premium Heritage" live up to its name. For anglers seeking the ultimate surf casting distance, keeping the drive gears well-greased while keeping the spool assembly "light" and oily is the secret to a high-performing 6500CT.