Castor oil substitute?

[nortada]

I have a Clipper Echo sounder with an in-hull installation (sensor is within the hull in an oil filled tube).

To date I have always used castor oil as the medium between the transducer & the inside of the hull.

My oil is contaminated so I wish to replace it. Easy? No!

Apparently, castor oil has been declared dangerous to human constitutions & off limits so is no longer available so I would appreciate any advice on a suitable substitute oil – linseed, olive etc.

 

[Cobra]

Had the same issue with our last boat, and was advised that Olive Oil will function adequately. Used it and it seemed to give true readings when used alongside a lead line!

 

[ex-Gladys]

Airmar website says propylene glycol - non toxic antifreeze to you and me....

PS Castor oil induces abortion in humans....hence why it's no longer available in pharmacy

 

[Supine Being]

I think any liquid will work. We don't use water because it evaporates, but it would work fine. So, any oil should also work.

 

[Oldgeezer]

Ah ! That explains why I had such trouble buying a bottle a few weeks ago. Tried Sainsbury's Pharmacy and Boots and eventually bought some in an independent chemist shop.

I hope I dont have a miscarriage. Seems unlikely as I'm not drinking the stuff, am male and of an age!

I've half a small bottle left I was going to use in case of curry problems - perhaps I should save it for the boat in future.

 

[Poignard]

Seems to be readily available by mail order; e.g.

http://www.agestop.net/uk/product_detail.aspx?PID=2881&TI=PCGAS&C=N#.UBaarqBOVyV

 

[nigelm]

Vege oil ? , baby oil

 

[ssjpiv]

NASA

I used olive oil, no problems...

 

[Athene V30]

Olive Oil is too posh for my boat. I used plain old cooking oil (supermarkets cheapest) and it was fine.

 

[mersey]

I got some from ASDA about 1.5yrs ago, so I guess the ruling is quite recent?

Like others say any oil should work..

 

[Gargleblaster]

I've always used marmalade in my through the hull NASA Target depthsounder. It has the advantage over oil that it doesn't leak out when heeled or worse knocked down. Has to be renewed every few years as it does seem to disappear somewhere. I have been asked about 'fine cut' versus 'thick cut', . But I just buy the cheapest one I can find and it lasts for years in the jar. In an emergency you have something to put on your toast.