Hello!

So I have an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5500 c3 2 speed that I have had since I was younger. When I was younger I did take it apart a few times, so I may have lost a piece or two, but in general the reel works.

Except! There are 3 problems with the reel that I would like fixed but I can't figure out what is wrong. I have taken it apart a few times and assembled to spec but it still doesn't perform ideally.

First, the over-spin problem.  If I spin the handle quickly while the reel is engaged, the spool will spin like normal.  But if I suddenly stop cranking the handle, then the reel will continue to spin for half a second and make a clicking noise, as if the spool is spinning over the "clutch" that engages/disengages when you turn the handle/push the button.  

Second, the dog-tooth gear works fine, but the play in the handle is still a little more significant than I would like. Is there anything I can do about that?

And lastly, the 2 speed shifting doesn't appear to be working anymore. Is there a more detailed explanation on how it works somewhere online?  I would love to learn how the mechanics of it work coming from someone who knows more than me about it!

Any response will help, and I'll do what I can to answer any questions that would help lead to the answer!

Thank you!

Step 1) Go to post office

Step 2) Box up and send to DVT

Step 3) Get reel back quickly and in perfect working condition

Step 4) Ask yourself why you didn't do this sooner

Step 5) Go fishing. 

 

http://delawarevalleytackle.com/services

Hello Nick,

 

I have no questions.

 

 But I would recommend that you figure out what parts are missing, get them, clean & lubricate accordingly and then re- assemble the reel correctly.

 

Or - send the whole mess to Mike at 

Delaware Valley Tackle Professional Fishing Reel Repair & Custom Rod 

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

So I managed to fix the auto-shift and changing between the two gear ratios, but the other problems are still prevalent.  I would prefer to do this myself instead of sending it away until I've exhausted all of my resources.

So I managed to fix the auto-shift and changing between the two gear ratios, but the other problems are still prevalent. I would prefer to do this myself instead of sending it away until I've exhausted all of my resources.

I understand wanting to do it yourself. I work in maintenance, lol. I'm always sure to consider my own time when considering to out source.

The play in the handle is likely due to the spring getting weak from age/use. That could also be the reason for the spool stop delay. If I recall, the 5500 didn't have Instant Anti Reverse, just a clutch on the main gear. The clutch lever could be worn, but I'd put my money on the spring. The clicking noise is the lever attempting to engage the gear.

I could definitely see that being the problem, that was honestly one of my first thoughts that the clutch was somehow not engaging all the way.  So if the issue lies with the spring plate, could i manage to bend the spring arms on the spring plate and see if that a quick fix, or should I not even bother? It might take a bit to get the part so it would be a fix till then.

Thanks for all your input thus far!

That clicking when you spin the handle and stop it quickly is normal. That's the good news. The bad news is that the 2 speed 5500 and 6500 are some of the biggest POS Abu ever made (maybe except for some Revos). Lock the reel in high or low, and fish it while it works.

Reels are not intended to work the way you describe. Sudden stoppage of a fast spinning handle causes the pinion gear to slip on the drive pin. It's normal. As for play in the handle I can't quite visualize the problem as its described.

Hello,

 

Here's your schematic:

 

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/content/purefishing/Abu%20Garcia/Schematics/5500C3%202SPEED%2091-0.pdf

 

I'm not doing a JPEG here as I'm not sure about the copyright as it pertains to schematics.

 

Regards,

 

Josh

Thanks everyone for their help and assurance!

I have taken it apart again and currently degreasing, with assembly later today in mind.  Sucks to hear that the 2 speed is a crap reel, its such an interesting design and thought.  I like the idea of pressure changing gear shifts, but I guess in practice its not very viable. I'll heed your warnings and crank the shift knob to the winch side, I prefer the slow crank. 

For the play in the handle, I think I'm just used to anti-reverse bearings on the drive-shaft.  The fact that the dog-tooth gear allows for a little play in the handle is just something I'm going to have to get used too.  And by play, I mean that I can move the handle backwards around half a radian while it is engaged.  Just something I'm gonna have to deal with. 

Thanks everyone for their help and assurance!

I have taken it apart again and currently degreasing, with assembly later today in mind.  Sucks to hear that the 2 speed is a crap reel, its such an interesting design and thought.  I like the idea of pressure changing gear shifts, but I guess in practice its not very viable. I'll heed your warnings and crank the shift knob to the winch side, I prefer the slow crank. 

For the play in the handle, I think I'm just used to anti-reverse bearings on the drive-shaft.  The fact that the dog-tooth gear allows for a little play in the handle is just something I'm going to have to get used too.  And by play, I mean that I can move the handle backwards around half a radian while it is engaged.  Just something I'm gonna have to deal with. 

 

Hello,

 

I use both types, the dog and anti-reverse, for different techniques.

 

I like the dog because I can feel the strike through the reel handle as well as through the rod.  This is good for moving baits.

 

Regards,

 

Josh