Abu Ambassadeur 5500 fishing reel old style set up how to take apart and service

[@peghead]

I'm still using my 5500C, 2500C and 5000C that I purchased new in 1976-1978 along with Lew's Speed Spool BB-1's from the same time period. I've always (seasonally) broke them down as far as possible, detail cleaned them and re-lubed. The Ambassadeur's still have their original level-wind pawls (I also have extras) although the Lew's reels have had at least one swap-out. I bought, on-line, a 1975 5500C used parts group, minus the frame, and swapped the brake plate and innards with the 5000C brake plate to increase ratio from 3.6/1 to 4.7/1. I use these reels hard and often for Bass and I take very good care of them, they are true 'workhorses' with proper care. The absolute most important system on my reels is the level-wind, keep that system clean and well-lubed (with grease).

[@WhatTheH3ll1000]

I can’t believe I’m just now finding this. I have watched several of your videos in a row and finally got my old 5000 back together properly! Thank you sir!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching and for your note - Dennis

[@drdriveone]

I figured out what to do from your instructions. I have both the old style and new style Abu 5500. Thank you

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@melodymakermark]

Awesome. Love these Swedish reels. I’m sure you get a great sense of satisfaction in bringing them back to life for your customers. You’ve got a new sub and I look forward to watching.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

THANK YOU for the sub and for the note. I'm glad you enjoy the channel - Dennis

[@striperhunter-ic2wt]

I enjoyed this video. On my 5500 the clicker plate that sits in the gear the little tab inside the gear keeps poking through one of the holes on the clicker plate. I tried to bend the tab back in close to the gear but it's not working. I have to pull it apart tomorrow and see what's going on it there.any suggestions?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I'm not sure. If you can send a picture of what is happening to my email - [e-mail] I will try to help you determine the cause. If you take the reel apart, then a picture of the inside would help as well.

[@David-rr8cu]

Good video! I found that instead of taking the line off the spool when putting the spool back into the frame, I use a piece of electrical tape to temporarily tape the line end down. Once the spool is in the frame, you can pull the tape off.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for the tip - David. Generally I will use a rubber band, but sometimes, especially when I am doing a video, I don't take the time to do it and sure enough, that's when the line trap occurs! Thanks for watching - Dennis

[@jglnyc6999]

I got to say, I’m so glad I stumbled on your channel. I find your videos to be extremely soothing to watch. I absolutely love the fact that you take something that’s old and not working well and in a matter of minutes it’s functioning great. Even spired me and I am now collecting old fishing reels. My buddy just dropped about 15 of them off to me last night and in doing a KZbin search I found out that you have repaired the majority of them so I’m good to go! thanks again for all your hard work. Be well & safe...

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you for the kind feedback. It sounds like you are going to be busy! Best. wishes - Dennis

[@michaelburr8780]

Thank you for sharing your reel knowledge. We appreciate it.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching - Dennis

[@mikemcelveen2973]

I enjoy servicing the mechanics of the early anti reverse systems. Now it's just a IAR bearing which was a great invention for both the baitcasters and spinning reels. The Ambassaduer reels are absolutely bullet proof and will last for generations if cared for properly cared for. Thanks Dennis! Happy Thanksgiving! Congrats on 10k subscribers.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks Mike. Enjoy the Holidays - Dennis

[@davidmcilveen5013]

Thanks again Dennis,always enjoy these Abu videos,as I have recently acquired a 5001c and these videos are most helpful. One tip,for what it is worth,is I always tape up the line on the spool using electrical insulating tape....saves any problems with line getting trapped,while removing or inserting the spool. Keep up the great work.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for sharing - I sometimes tie the line to a rubber band and wrap it around the spool as well. Mostly, I leave it as the customer sent it - Thanks for watching - Best wishes - Dennis

[@davidmcilveen5013]

After watching this video for a second time....I just noticed that one of the brake blocks actually fell of their spindle,while you where removing the sideplate......making it look like there was only one brake 😂.....it did make me chuckle lol.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That wouldn't be the first time! It happens a lot. Thanks for noticing - Dennis

[@davidmcilveen5013]

@@2ndChanceTackle I know lol....I now take the brakes of before removing the spool....and put them on after the spool is refitted.....just in case. 🎣

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Of all the conventional reels I have owned and used I love Ambassadors the most. I sent you a photo of the last one I owned. It killed me to sell it but as you know, my vision problems meant I couldn’t use them surf fishing any more. I have two sizes of soft blow hammers that I use. I found some caps to put over them to make them even softer when necessary. You did a fine job on this reel. My problem with servicing once a year is that I have almost 100 reels. I have a schedule I follow but if I’m going fishing I’ll choose what reels I’m going to use and I’ll service them if needed before the trip. I found my Ambassador 7000C fairly straightforward to service. They are simply great reels. I did replace the plastic spool with the manufacturer’s chrome metal spool. I love these reels! (You’re overusing a paper towel again. )

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks Chris - Yes these are nice reels. I just got a 7000 in for service, so stay tuned - Dennis

[@striperhunter-ic2wt]

Hello, I enjoy these videos. Do you ever show video of a daiwa coastal tws reel? Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I have not done a video on that one - Thanks for asking. I will try when I get one in - Dennis

[@dave1496]

I have the same reel thanks for the video

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Enjoy. Keep tat reel tuned and it will keep fishing with you for a long time - Dennis

[@johndenhamerstingfish]

Happy Thanksgiving Dennis.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Same to you! Best wishes - Dennis

[@glennmcleod4751]

Hey Dennis I have two of these but newer according to series number they are 07 model's...

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - these reels have been around for quite some time now. They get revised but are basically the same reel in frame and format - Dennis

[@robertjackson3769]

Can you tape the line to spool when you start It makes life so much easier

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for the tip. I've switched to rubber bands lately - Best wishes - Dennis

[@steveburch5113]

Thanks Dennis, great one again.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are very welcome. Best wishes - Dennis

[@bvang09]

Very helpful video. I have subscribed.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for the sub and for watching. Please stay tuned for more to come - Dennis

[@cliffordhancock2650]

Great videos enjoyed watching. I have a ambassadeur 5000 red reel that casts great but when I reel in it spins with tension what could be the problem.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Are you saying the spool does not lock down when reeling in? That would normally mean that the drag washer would need to be replaced

[@ecksdog]

Happy Thanksgiving.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Same to you! Best wishes - Dennis

[@steveeades6810]

I have an old 5500 direct drive. Can it be converted to have anti reverse and have a star to adjust drag like a conventional reel?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I am not familiar with that reel. I suspect that it cannot be converted due to the design points in the reel - can you send me a picture of the reel to my email [e-mail]? Iathat will give me a better look - Dennis

[@DocSmith]

Apparently, I have a “new style” 6000, though I have not yet opened it up yet. Have you produced a video for a 6000 (red color)? Can you please provide the names of lubricants you use and perhaps links for purchasing them?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I generally use the Penn Precision reel grease and their Penn Precision reel oil for most of my service. You can get those through Mysticparts.com or other online sites. I recommend that you use fishing reel grease and oil for your projects, The brand is secondary and most manufacturers have them. An internet search will produce a lot of sources where you can but them. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@bvang09]

Thanks for the respond. I will send you a short video and see if you can tell me what the issue is. Thanks.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Ok thanks!

[@deovindice1799]

@2nd chance tackle Thanks for the video! Im about to service an old 5500c. I have a couple of questions. There is a copper disk under the cap on the right side of the reel. You didnt remove it in this video. The disk is raised in the center, would you happen to know which way it installs? Concave side facing in or out? Also, there is an adjustable numbered dial on the left, is it just to indicate tension and not related to any brake system? Thanks for any help you can offer!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The point of the cone faces in. On the dial, I believe that is only for spool tensioning. I don't have that reel in my shop. I will verify next time I get one in - Dennis

[@MakeAmericaNiceAgainPlz]

I have one of these too and wasn't able to get the tension to line up in inside the knob and the 0 mark. I also noticed on the same side there's another flat disc that slides over a bit. What's the purpose of that? where should it be left at? seems the reel is now clacking a lot since I took that side plate of the reel off.

[@scottdeatherage1810]

I noticed the handle cap says 'oil'. Should you remove that and oil it periodically?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes, if you do not take the reel apart to service it regularly, then you can add a drop of oil by removing the cap - Dennis

[@stuartdavis6947]

I have an Ambassadeur 5000 that was working fine but needed a good cleaning. After reassembly the thumb button won’t stay down. What could be causing this?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Check to make sure the springs are set correctly and that the trip arms are moving freely. It could also be that the click ratchet at the bottom of the gear stack is not sitting flush on the gear sleeve. That ratchet should have an oblong or rectangular mounting hole and it must fit snug on the bottom of the gear shaft. If it is not, then it will not reach the top of the trip arm to return your thumb button

[@stuartdavis6947]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks so much! I followed your reply, and rewatched that portion of the video. My gear was sitting on one of the trip arms. After moving the arm, and refitting the gear it works beautifully. I bought this reel in 1975, when I was fourteen. I had to save up to buy it as it was quite expensive, for me, at the time. Anyway, It has been siting around neglected for 30 years, and after the clean and lube job, it is functioning like new. I plan to put it back to use this weekend.

[@rattusrodney]

whats the difference between these older 5500c and 5000c? does the "c" matter? thx

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The main difference is the width of the spool

[@canoe1chris_]

Do you know where I can locate that leather washer thanks for any help

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Try e-replacementparts.com or Southwesternparts.com in addition to Ebay - Dennis

[@bvang09]

I just bought 2 6500c3. One is very smooth but the other seems to have a tiny grind. Doesn’t stay spin as long as the other. Any idea what’s wrong?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Bee - there could be several causes - Dirt inside, no grease or dried grease, worn bearings or teeth. Start by swapping the gear side plates between the two reels. That will tell you is the grind is in the gear mechanism or the frame, bearings, line guide side of the reel. Next, you would want to open up the noisy or grinding one and "See" what is causing the condition issue. Thank you and best wishes - Dennis

[@kiwisafa101]

i had to smile mate, at the start of your video, you're all PPE, gloves for the chemicals and solvents etc. If you time how long your right hand is in contact with the stuff, it is almost 3.6x longer - without glove - you funny mate.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I wish I could use a glove on my right hand, but I lose dexterity and grip on my tools and small parts. I guess half is better than nothing - Thanks - Dennis

[@sjeverett75]

I like to use a piece of scotch tape on the spool to hold the line.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I have trouble with tape as I usually have grease on my hands and that removed the tick of the tape. Thanks for the tip - Dennis

[@jglnyc6999]

Maybe this is a strange question but have you ever had the need to use a bearing puller on your fishing reels? If so which one did you use?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I have a generic one I bought off of Ebay for spool bearings. It works fine to push the pin out of the spool shaft and remove the bearing. I do not know of a puller for th pinion gear bearing that is seated in the reel case of a spinning reel - Dennis

[@brunomahle1618]

The sheriff needs to visit you

[@brunomahle1618]

People would be better off dropping their reel in a bucket of used motor oil than sending it to you. LMAO

[@brunomahle1618]

OMG!

[@brunomahle1618]

Terrible reel tech. I can't believe how you treat customers reels. seriously......

[@brunomahle1618]

People pay you for that? WTF?