Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: LowCountry on June 29, 2014, 02:01:51 PM

Title: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: LowCountry on June 29, 2014, 02:01:51 PM
Have an older Ambassaduer 5500. When reeling the level wind system will occasionally stick on the right hand side.  I can barely bump it when it's stuck and it will start back reeling fine.

Anything to look for and pay attention to before I break it down?
Title: Re: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: handi2 on June 29, 2014, 02:07:37 PM
Have you tried to oil it first and see if it works correctly?
Title: Re: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: alantani on June 29, 2014, 04:47:57 PM
chances are that you have damage to the worm and/or the pawl.  it would likely be best to replace both.
Title: Re: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: LowCountry on June 29, 2014, 07:10:00 PM
I oiled and still having the issue.


Where can I order these? And it's a 6500 not a 5500.
Title: Re: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: Fish-aholic on June 29, 2014, 07:37:16 PM
Stock replacement parts: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Abu-Garcia-Ambassadadeur-6000-6500C-Worm-Gear-Pawl-/171345110223?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27e4f6e4cf

Or if you would like better free spool, you could get a ceramic pawl: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ceramic-Pawl-for-Abu-Garcia-Ambassadeur-5000-and-6000-series-Parts-/221477172625?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3391117591

Or if you'd like a full kit: http://www.ebay.com/sch/fredsreels/m.html?item=321335556525&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562


Not affiliated, just giving you options. ;)
Title: Re: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: LowCountry on June 29, 2014, 09:46:44 PM
Thanks Fish!! The part is supposed to be here in a few days. How do I go about replacing it?
Title: Re: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: Tile on June 29, 2014, 10:40:14 PM
The levelwind service job on an Ambassadeur is fairly simple. Loosen the cast control cap and unbolt the non handle side plate. Then you can spin the levelwind worm gear so the line guide is to one side (no matter what side). Use a flat head screw driver unscrew the pawl cap and the pawl should come right off. The entire levelwind assembly is held with a spring clip, pull it out and slide it off.
Now the levelwind worm shaft is replaced with the new one. After replacing the shaft, put back the spring clip to hold it in place. Then turn the reel upside down and place the new pawl in the line guide body. Make sure to wiggle it a bit for proper placement and turn the worm shaft a bit to confirm that is working. After checking the pawl you can put back the pawl cap and tighten it a bit. At the end place back the non handle side place and bolt it to the frame.

Job done  :)
Title: Re: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: Fish-aholic on June 29, 2014, 11:30:08 PM
Here's a tutorial to help you out along the way. Don't worry if the reel in the tutorial isn't an exact match to yours, the majority of Abu's are very similar in design  ;)

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=1512.0
Title: Re: Ambassaduer Level Wind Sticking
Post by: LowCountry on June 29, 2014, 11:41:03 PM
Heck Ya Fish! Awesome Tutorial!