Ambassador 5500DA drag question

[Reeltyme]

I am bewildered! I was asked to clean up the above mentioned reel. After taking her apart and performing the usual cleaning and grease and oil change, I noticed that the main drive gear is slotted to fit the handle spindle/shaft. O.K. Reassemble everything, runs smooth in free spool, handle turns effortlessly, level wind almost runs back and forth by itself,,, no drag? Take it apart, again, check everything over, go to the internet and search for a schematic,,, A-HA! Missing a set of 3 friction washers that sit on top of the main gear, under 2 stacking slotted spacers. Problem is, even if these washers are installed, how in the h*#% does the drag work! With the main gear slotted to fit the shaft, it can not spin under pressure from a fighting fish! Is the small gear on the end of the spool shaft supposed to come into play somehow? Can anyone shed some light on this (probably obvious) situation?
Thanks in advance!
Reeltyme
Randy McConnell

[Midway Tommy D]

I'm not by any means an authority on casting reels but it is my understanding that the 5500 stands for high speed. The "D" stands for direct drive so line can not be payed out as long as the handle is being held. Release the handle and it will spin backwards as line is taken out. The drag adjustment determines how fast or easily the handle will spin backwards. It's my understanding that the "A" means it has palming capabilities.

Maybe Wayne or someone else with more knowledgeable regarding the "A" will stop by and add better info.

[Reeltyme]

Thanks Tommy, Neither am I a pro on these reels, as should be obvious. I do feel better knowing that there isn’t an actual “drag” like I am accustomed to seeing on “normal” reels! I’ll stick with saltwater reels and spinning reels. Much easier to work on!

[Wayne B.]

Randy, my D’s are not accessible right now so what I suggest is purely conjecture at best. I seem to remember the spool turning harder as the adjustment wheel below the handle is tightened. Being a direct drive there is no slip between the handle and the main drive gear. The washers assembly and adjustment knob may just serve to minimize the force being transmitted to the line reeling a fish in. Maybe some spool control for casting. I can also see it being used when the reel is in free-spool and drift fishing or slow trolling to prevent unspooling as well until a fish is on and the engaged clicker starts singing. JMHO

There’s a good reason this a short-lived, unpopular Ambassadeur model.

BYW, I don’t know what the “A” means in the model number.