Can't find the hole!

[bbilly]

Can\'t find the hole!

Hi to all,
Took my new used boat out to move it to the summer moorings in S.Felice Circeo. First time I've piloted a m/b so it was quite exciting. All by myself for 3 hours, beautiful sunny day a calm seas, took refreshments with me and it was a rewarding first trip. Before leaving planned the course 140° until the islands came up and then by eye. Only problem I had was the compass bouncing around for the whole trip. Investigated and found there was no liquid! It is completely empty apart from a few drops so as always came on the forum and found loads of interesting posts, bought the liquid parafin, dismantled the compass but can't find a plug to refill it. Looking through the sphere I can see waht looks like an entry hole but it is blocked off by melted plastic. I can drill this "plug" through I suppose and then plug it again, but with what? Silicon any guidance, tips or tricks? Or as it has lost almost all the fluid does this mean it is should be replaced - its a Plastimo 70 offshore.

Thanks in advance

Will

<hr width=100% size=1>"I you're too open minded your brains fall out"

 

[cliff]

Re: Can\'t find the hole!

I am sure you will receive many replies, all differing in their advise so I might as well start the ball rolling:

SIRS navigation can and will supply compass oil at a price.

How did the oil leak out? Before even thinking of refilling you need to find the leak and decide if it can be repaired or is even worth repairing.

If drilling a "fill" hole I personally would try to drill the hole on the top of the sphere as there is less chance of further leakage. A small rubber plug or cork would close the hole. I am thinking of 1/8" hole if plugging or if you want to fill using a hypodermic then a 1/64" would be fine and a blob of "silicon" on top to close it.

I have used clear paraffin (lamp oil) to refill an old sestral (which now is an ornament behind my bar) without any problems with the markings on the card or the card itself, the matt black paint inside or the two hemispheres and still no leaks from the "O" ring seals after 2 years but I do not know if lamp oil is compatable with the materials used in plastimo compasses.

For what it's worth, I would contact firstly Plastimo for their advise then SIRS Navigation for their advice then decide if it is worth the trouble of repairing or would it be better to buy a new one. If you buy a new one you can always play about with the old one as an experiment - they make nice "boaty" type ornaments - especially the brass ones like the old Sestrals.

/forums/images/icons/smile.gif<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by cliff on 19/05/2004 10:02 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[nordic]

Re: Can\'t find the hole!

I used liquid parrafin to refill a compass and found it too viscous. I tried various solvents to try to thin it unsuccessfully and ended up using cheap supermarket vodka that had been in the cupboard for years! My compass did not need the damping quality of an oil and I understand alcohol is recommended merely to prevent freezing in winter. Previous posts on this forum have given links to specialist companies who will refill compasses with the correct oil, or supply it for a DIY job.

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[LORDNELSON]

Re: Can\'t find the hole!

Can you locate a compas adjuster/repairer? It sounds as though the diaphragm has ruptured in your compass and you may well need a professional to put a new one in; I had this done in Southampton to my (German) compass a year or two ago and it cost about £40 including filling with liquid.

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