Bulkhead compass in need of refill and service

[paulieraw]

Hi I have a Plastimo bulkhead compass that needs a service and refill of fluid does anyone know who does this?

Such a good compass don't want to lose it. But its only about a 2 thirds full

 

[VicS]

BPSC Marine ,

See the recent thread for contact details http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?496525-Suunto-compass-refurb&highlight=BPSC


He might be able to tell what to use if its something common and readily avaialble, or even supply the fluid if it's not

 

[paulieraw]

BPSC Marine ,

See the recent thread for contact details http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?496525-Suunto-compass-refurb&highlight=BPSC

Thanks I will give them a try.

He might be able to tell what to use if its something common and readily avaialble, or even supply the fluid if it's not

Thanks I will give them a call as I would like to try and fill them myself if it’s possible

 

[Norman_E]

My Plastimo binnacle compasses had both lost oil and I successfully refilled them with Johnsons Baby Oil.

 

[paulieraw]

My Plastimo binnacle compasses had both lost oil and I successfully refilled them with Johnsons Baby Oil.

Did they remain clear?

 

[Eeyore]

Johnsons Baby Oil.

+1

I filled my Sestrel Major (in Turkey) with Johnsons in 2008 and it's remained crystal clear ever since.

 

[paulieraw]

+1

I filled my Sestrel Major (in Turkey) with Johnsons in 2008 and it's remained crystal clear ever since.

Is it straight forward and is the a way to clean the inside first?

 

[JumbleDuck]

I filled my Sestrel Major (in Turkey) with Johnsons in 2008 and it's remained crystal clear ever since.

Older Sestrels used an alcohol/water mix; later ones use oil. Checking before filling or topping up is a Very Good Idea.

 

[RupertW]

Is it straight forward and is the a way to clean the inside first?

If it's cloudy that may well the impact of weathering and ageing of the plastic on the outside rather than the inside. I heard that people had made a good job of polishing the outside so I gave that ago and achieved what looked like a very smooth surface with scratchs gone. But still a bit cloudy so I replaced it - having spent about 6 hours trying to restore it I'm afraid a wallet plus 15 minutes did a better job than I could ever have done.

 

[Eeyore]

Is it straight forward and is the a way to clean the inside first?

No experience of your compass I'm afraid. Recommendation is to check all old fluid is removed, I knew mine was because the diaphragm at the base was split. New diaphragm, and filled with oil via syringe and small filler hole. It took two litres of oil. http://www.yachtrhumbdo.co.uk/compass.htm

 

[AntarcticPilot]

It is very important that the fluid is replaced like for like. The wrong fluid can result in the liquid going cloudy, the damping being wrong and even the letters and numbers on the card falling off! While many are oil, Alcohol mixtures are also used, and the oil composition may vary. I'm no expert, but it's a job where I'd want the advice of either an expert or the manufacturer before putting fluid in.

 

[Lightwave395]

If it's cloudy that may well the impact of weathering and ageing of the plastic on the outside rather than the inside. I heard that people had made a good job of polishing the outside so I gave that ago and achieved what looked like a very smooth surface with scratchs gone. But still a bit cloudy so I replaced it - having spent about 6 hours trying to restore it I'm afraid a wallet plus 15 minutes did a better job than I could ever have done.

Brasso works very well, surprisingly so does Coca cola (to clean the plastic, not refill the binnacle...) which makes you think twice before drinking it perhaps. Be sure to wax polish afterwards