Ambassadeur Reel fix...

Been looking for a video like this to address the spool not engaging after releasing line from a 5601, 6501 and any other 6000 type Abu Garcia level wind reel. Now to break out the 4 reels that done did me wrong over the last 20 years. Woo hoo!



What's old shall be new...

Fred "True" Trujillo

Good info.  Thanks for sharing.

I ran into a similar issue with my Abu Garcia 5600 C4. After swapping out the indicated parts from a donor reel and repeated failures (ended up having to loosen the drag to drop my DR a couple times...), I realized that my issue was different from what the video shows.

On my problem reel's frame, the pin that engages the link arm is so worn down that it just doesn't do the trick anymore. See attached picture -- donor reel frame on the left, sentimental reel frame on the right. The pin on each reel is circled. See how the sentimental reel frame's pin is worn down?

If anyone has ideas for replacing or adding to the pin, let me know. The 5600 C4 frame seems impossible to tear down.... But there's gotta be a way to do this. Will be a winter project. It's stupid to have sentimental fishing gear when Davey Jones' locker is inches away, but this reel has been with me for about 10 years. Seen lots of fish and would like for it to see lots more. I could just replace the frame, but to me the frame is the heart of the reel.

Also, if someone sees a fault in my logic, I'd love to know.

https://alantani.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=jp5nrhjckep1r8dpp76khtvbb4&board=5.0

Not being a butt, but Alan has a whole section devoted to these reels on his board. Even includes schematics and part numbers in some cases.

https://alantani.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=jp5nrhjckep1r8dpp76khtvbb4&board=5.0

Not being a butt, but Alan has a whole section devoted to these reels on his board. Even includes schematics and part numbers in some cases.

Thanks for the heads up on this resource! I'll go ahead and post on his board. Everything that I've read so far indicates that I have to replace the frame... I'd like to avoid doing that and instead fix the frame, which apparently requires specialized knowledge.

Sure thing. With the help of that site, I was able to fix an old favorite reel of mine, a Browning A351 baitcaster. 

Meanwhile,  to source parts locally, try looking at local goodwill stores . Can find them there some times..

That is a great resource. I just finished the last two of three Ambassadeurs that had broken springs or grime in them. They're all working like new now and . Also replaced the felt washers with some carbontex washers in a couple of them. Waiting for the rest to come in the mail. They'e working like a dream now!

Fred "True" Trujillo

Sure thing, Fred. Glad to read you're bringing them back to life.