Bubble in Compass - Any advice?

[RIN]

There is a an annoying bubble in our flybridge compass. Its a Suunto which I think is Finnish.

Has anyone managed to repair a compass with a bubble? Does anyone know how to remove this compass? I've tried gently pressing the red tab with a screwdriver blade but no joy and I don't want to break the tab off. Or is it another £100 for a new one?

Any advice gratefully received

 

[julians]

I had the same problem with a similar ,but different model Suunto compass - essentially the seals have gone and the oil is slowly leaking out, the bubble will get worse over the next few weeks/months.

I tried to refill with oil, but it just leaks out again. I ended up replacing with a new compass, I found a plastimo model that pretty much fits in the same hole.

to get the compass out you press the red tab in with a screwdriver, and lift the cover off to get to the screws.

 

[pmagowan]

i had a different suunto compass and just took it apart, unscrewed the oil filling screw and put in some liquid parafin bp.

 

[tico]

Try Barry at BPSC Marine (google it) in Southhampton. He repairs compasses and will refill/replace seals etc for a very reasonable amount.
No connection, just a happy customer.

 

[sailorman]

Try Barry at BPSC Marine (google it) in Southhampton. He repairs compasses and will refill/replace seals etc for a very reasonable amount.
No connection, just a happy customer.

Super pro service, DONT try yourself, use the wrong fluid = no card numbers = compass a bin job

The bubble is due the the diaphragm leaking, if you top up it will continue to leak as you havent fixed the original issue

Barry Phillips
BPSC Marine Services
Unit 4 Park Business Ctr
1 Park Rd
Southampton
SO15 3US

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Try swapping it for the one in your spirit level and see if it's any better! … :encouragement:

 

[ashtead]

Had heard that covering compass with a plastic clear bag removes a bubble if you leave in the sun Might be worth a try before more technical options maybe

 

[penberth3]

Had heard that covering compass with a plastic clear bag removes a bubble if you leave in the sun Might be worth a try before more technical options maybe

That's only the rise in temperature making the bubble shrink, it will reappear.

 

[Elessar]

Can’t help on how to remove it. I’ve topped up in the past with white spirit. Got me another year or so before topping up again. I disagree with the don’t try it yourself comments unless you are ham fisted.

 

[RIN]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll either have a go or more likely take it in to be fixed

 

[jct1981]

Just had mine back today from Barry at BPSC. Is excellent (20 year old Ritchie).
Worth noting the details above are out of date; he's now based at home but all contact details are on his website;

http://www.bpsc-marine.co.uk/