Ambassadeur 6500GOLD CAT 23 00

Comprehensive Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 Gold Rocket Special (Gold Cat)

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 Gold Cat is a heavy-duty iteration of the classic round reel design, specifically engineered for the rigors of catfish angling. Maintaining this reel is essential for ensuring the centrifugal braking system stays consistent and the carbon matrix drags remain smooth under high pressure.

Tools and Supplies Required

• Precision Screwdrivers: Small flathead and Phillips head.

• 10mm Wrench: For the handle nut.

• Cleaning Solvent: Isopropyl alcohol or specialized reel cleaner.

• Lubricants: * Deuthlon Semi-Fluid Grease/Oil: Specifically for the levelwind assembly and idler gears.

  • High-Quality Marine Grease: For the main gear and pinion gear.

• Cotton Swabs and Microfiber Cloth.

Step 1: External Disassembly

Begin by backing off the star drag to remove tension from the stack. Remove the handle nut retainer screw, the 10mm handle nut, and the handle assembly. Carefully lift away the spring washers and the star drag wheel.

Unscrew the three captive thumb screws on the right side plate. Pull the side plate away from the frame to expose the internal drive bridge and the spool.

Step 2: Servicing the Spool and Centrifugal Brakes

The 6500 Gold Cat features a traditional centrifugal brake system located on the spool shaft.

1. Slide the spool out of the frame.

2. Inspect the brake weights (blocks) for flat spots or salt buildup.

3. Clean the brake race (the brass ring inside the side plate) with a dry cotton swab. Do not grease the brake race, as this will significantly reduce braking friction and cause overruns.

4. Apply a single drop of light oil to the spool bearings.

Step 3: Gear Train Maintenance

The heart of the Gold Cat is the brass main gear and stainless steel pinion.

• Main Gear and Pinion: Remove the drive shaft and main gear. Use a soft brush to remove old, contaminated grease. Apply a fresh, thin coat of high-quality gear grease to the teeth of the main gear and the neck of the pinion. Avoid over-greasing, as excess lubricant can migrate into the drag washers.

• Drag System: This model utilizes Carbon Matrix washers. Ensure they are dry and free of grit. If you prefer a "wet" drag, apply an incredibly thin film of specialized drag grease, though they perform exceptionally well dry.

Step 4: Levelwind and Idler Gear Lubrication

Unlike the CT (Cage Type) versions which lack a levelwind, the 6500 Gold Cat is a full-feature model containing a synchronized levelwind system and idler gears. These components are often exposed to water and debris.

1. Idler Gears: Locate the nylon idler gears on the left side of the frame. These transfer power to the levelwind.

2. Levelwind Assembly: Inspect the worm shield and the pawl.

3. Recommendation: Apply Deuthlon oil (or their specialized semi-fluid lubricant) to the idler gears and the worm shaft. Deuthlon's properties allow the levelwind to track smoothly without the "sticky" resistance often caused by heavy grease in cold water.

Step 5: Reassembly and Testing

1. Seat the spool back into the frame, ensuring the pinion gear engages correctly with the spool shaft.

2. Replace the right side plate and hand-tighten the thumb screws.

3. Reinstall the star drag, spring washers, handle, and nut.

4. Functional Check: Disengage the spool to ensure a clean free-spool. Engage the drive and turn the handle to confirm the levelwind tracks across the width of the spool without hesitation. Tighten the drag to verify it peels smoothly without "stuttering."

SEO Summary for Anglers

This DIY repair guide covers the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 Gold Cat maintenance. By using Deuthlon oil on the levelwind and idler gears and dedicated grease on the main gear sets, you ensure your 6500 series reel remains a "Gold Standard" for heavy freshwater fishing. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion in the synchronized levelwind system, a common failure point in neglected round reels.