Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Ambassadeur Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: Azar on July 26, 2017, 05:34:56 PM

Title: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Azar on July 26, 2017, 05:34:56 PM
Hey all!

Picked this reel up as part of a package deal with a few other reels, and the spool on this thing does not want to spin freely. I backed off the spool control and it makes no change. I have the schematics to reference, but I really don't know what I'm looking for. Any suggestions on things to keep an eye out for?

I also attached the S 3600c schematics, so if you look at it and say "check part 20907" vs "check the drag washer" It may be a bit clearer for me as I'm very new to reel maintenance and fishing in general and am trying my best to learn! Thanks for your time!!
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Bryan Young on July 26, 2017, 06:00:09 PM
I would first check the bearings. Then the little black clip in the adjustment knob is properly attached to the spool shaft.
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Azar on July 26, 2017, 07:32:30 PM
Quote from: Bryan Young on July 26, 2017, 06:00:09 PM
I would first check the bearings. Then the little black clip in the adjustment knob is properly attached to the spool shaft.

Okay the bearings appear to be 5230...other than them not spinning, what else should I be looking for? (Grittiness, corrosion?) Then the clip in the adjustment knob looks like 20090? Is that the correct reference on the parts below:

(http://i.imgur.com/Nxtk98F.png?1)
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Azar on August 01, 2017, 02:23:48 PM
The little black clip in the adjustment knob is missing an ear, so I ordered a new one of those. And a few new bits for the spool just incase some get damaged when I replace the bearings. I also ordered some ABEC7 ceramic ball steel bearings. :)
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: tholmes on August 01, 2017, 07:36:00 PM
Another thing you could do to give you a little better free-spool is to replace the brake blocks (2 pcs., #20208) with Abu part # 20209. The 20209 blocks are smaller, thus less braking on the spool during the cast.

Tom
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Azar on August 02, 2017, 02:51:46 AM
Quote from: tholmes on August 01, 2017, 07:36:00 PM
Another thing you could do to give you a little better free-spool is to replace the brake blocks (2 pcs., #20208) with Abu part # 20209. The 20209 blocks are smaller, thus less braking on the spool during the cast.

Tom

Yessir, found that out after some research so I ordered some of those as well.  ;D
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Gfish on August 02, 2017, 04:50:14 AM
Yet another thing it could be; perhaps some corrosion betweeen the spool shaft(#815801)and the inside a the pinion gear(#22222). Does it make any funny noise?
Gfish
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Azar on August 07, 2017, 02:48:24 PM
Quote from: Gfish on August 02, 2017, 04:50:14 AM
Yet another thing it could be; perhaps some corrosion betweeen the spool shaft(#815801)and the inside a the pinion gear(#22222). Does it make any funny noise?
Gfish

I don't believe so, I popped it back apart and took a look. Spool shaft looks great, seems to have some kind of graphite based lube maybe? on it, doesn't make any really weird noises. Re-assembled and seems to be doing better. I honestly think the part that holds the brake blocks was getting pinched by the gears.

Anyways, I got all my parts from Abu Garcia in (really decent prices and quick shipping) just waiting for my bearings to get in and replace them as well.
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Gfish on August 07, 2017, 04:29:31 PM
Lotta guys don't have any lube on the spool shaft where it's covered by the pinion for better spool spin and even polish the shaft and inside a the pinion for max. performance. I'd try that before reassembly with the new parts if it's not too late.
Gfish
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Bruce on August 08, 2017, 09:12:17 PM
I have  experienced brake sliders/blocks being pinched on reassembly .
Although the frame will generally not fit together properly if that is the case . Or on this reel it probably would just be the sideplate .
Often it is a very small easily overlooked  problem .
Do a very close examination , I`m sure you will find it .

    Good luck  Bruce
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Bruce on August 08, 2017, 09:19:35 PM
Oh yes  check out the level wind assembly very thoroughly,it is often a trouble spot on reels so equipped .
Was the problem evident before work was performed ?

   Good luvk  Bruce
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: Azar on August 14, 2017, 02:06:53 PM
Replaced the bearings with some ABEC 7 ceramic orange seals direct from China and replaced the broken clip in the spool tension knob, and added blue brake blocks...feels like a new reel!

Going to order some more cheap bearings and replace them in my other Abu and I'll take pictures and do a write up. This one has been solved, boys!
Title: Re: Ambassadeur S 3600C
Post by: ReelClean on August 15, 2017, 04:54:08 AM
Quote from: Azar on August 14, 2017, 02:06:53 PM
Replaced the bearings with some ABEC 7 ceramic orange seals direct from China and replaced the broken clip in the spool tension knob, and added blue brake blocks...feels like a new reel!

Going to order some more cheap bearings and replace them in my other Abu and I'll take pictures and do a write up. This one has been solved, boys!

With the Chinese bearings just make sure that you lube them with corrosionx, remoil or similar as cheap bearings may not be very salt resistant.
cheers
Steve