Ambassadeur 6500Tccf(12-00)

Professional Maintenance and Repair Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500TCCF (12-00)

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500TCCF (12-00) is a premier trolling reel designed for the rigors of big-game freshwater and coastal angling. As a standard chassis model with a 12-00 footprint, it utilizes a fully synchronized levelwind system. Maintaining the mechanical harmony between the spool and the oscillation gears is paramount for preserving the reel's cranking power and casting fluidity.

Understanding the 12-00 Architecture

Unlike the "CT" casting models which remove oscillation gears to prioritize distance, the 6500TCCF 12-00 keeps the levelwind engaged at all times. This design ensures that the line guide tracks perfectly with the line as it leaves the spool, preventing the "dig-in" effect common with high-tension trolling lines. This synchronization is achieved through a specific Idler Gear located on the interior of the left-side frame.

Step 1: Component Teardown and Cleaning

Begin by removing the handle assembly, the star drag, and the tension washers. Unscrew the three knurled thumb screws on the right side plate to access the drive bridge.

• Solvent Cleaning: Use a dedicated reel cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to strip all old, contaminated grease from the internal frame and the gear teeth.

• Inspection: Check the Idler Gear (plastic) for any signs of wear or missing teeth. Since the levelwind moves during the cast, this gear is a primary point of mechanical stress.

Step 2: Drive Train and Gear Lubrication

The main gear and pinion in the TCCF series are designed to handle high-torque retrieves. They require a high-viscosity lubricant that can withstand the heat generated by a heavy drag.

• Main Gear & Pinion Gear: Once cleaned, apply a specialized marine-grade grease to the teeth of the Main Gear and the Pinion Gear.

• Application Tip: Use a brush to ensure the grease is worked into the gaps between the teeth. This creates a protective barrier that dampens gear noise and prevents metal-on-metal galling under load.

Step 3: Levelwind and Idler Gear Calibration

To maintain the efficiency of the synchronized system, you must use a lubricant that reduces friction without attracting excessive debris.

• Recommended Lubricant: Apply Deuthlon oil to the Levelwind Worm Gear and the Idler Gear.

• The Deuthlon Advantage: Because the idler gear is plastic and the worm gear is metal, standard heavy greases can cause a "dragging" sensation. Deuthlon oil provides a superior boundary layer that allows the plastic idler gear to spin with minimal resistance, ensuring the line guide oscillates smoothly across the spool without robbing the reel of casting energy.

Step 4: Spool and Centrifugal Brake Service

The 12-00 series features a standard centrifugal brake system to manage spool speed.

1. Brake Race: Wipe the brass race inside the side plate with a dry cloth. It must remain bone-dry to ensure the brake weights function with consistent friction.

2. Spool Bearings: Clean the bearings in solvent and apply one drop of light high-speed oil. Never use grease in spool bearings, as it will drastically reduce the reel's ability to deploy light lures.

Reassembly and Testing

Slide the spool into the frame, ensuring the gear on the spool end clicks into the Idler Gear. Reattach the side plate and tighten the thumb screws. Rotate the handle to ensure the levelwind tracks effortlessly. If the movement is jerky, re-examine the worm gear pawl and the application of Deuthlon oil.

Lubrication Reference Profile

Regularly servicing the Ambassadeur 6500TCCF (12-00) with this specialized regimen ensures that the synchronized levelwind remains an asset for precision trolling and that the drive train stays protected against the elements.