Sniper
Well-Known Member
Can anyone tell me if it is possible to 'top up' a plastimo contest compass and if so, which fluid is the correct one to use?
many thanks
many thanks
Compass bubble
- Thread starter Sniper
- Start date
VicS
Well-Known Member
It depends on age but I believe Plastimo compasses used one of the range of Esso products called Bayol which is no longer available.
Contact a compass repairer such as Sirs Navigation in kent (Google will find them) or BPSC Marine who is a user of this forum.
Do not be tempted to try anything other than the correct fluid as you could wreck the compass. If you are prepared to risk that use white spirit or barbeque lighting fluid (which our analytical chemists reckoned was an expensive way of buying paraffin)
Contact a compass repairer such as Sirs Navigation in kent (Google will find them) or BPSC Marine who is a user of this forum.
Do not be tempted to try anything other than the correct fluid as you could wreck the compass. If you are prepared to risk that use white spirit or barbeque lighting fluid (which our analytical chemists reckoned was an expensive way of buying paraffin)
john_morris_uk
Well-Known Member
You can try. There is a small screw (usually with a dab of black paint sealing it)which allows you to top up the compass. Take the compass of the bulkhead and you will find it. However, the reason there is a bubble is that there is a hole somewhere letting the fluid out and the air in. The hole is usually in the bellows or compression joint in between the two semispheres.
You might find that you have a bubble again quite soon after topping up the fluid. You can't usually mend the bellows, and you end up buying a new compass or putting up with the bubble. Good luck.
You might find that you have a bubble again quite soon after topping up the fluid. You can't usually mend the bellows, and you end up buying a new compass or putting up with the bubble. Good luck.
MarkJohnson12345
Well-Known Member
I had problems with compass's, smelling and leaking the fluid over the bulkheads.
Solution was to go and buy a new one. Looks really good, and no more problems.
Persuade the missus that an early Christmas present is in order
Solution was to go and buy a new one. Looks really good, and no more problems.
Persuade the missus that an early Christmas present is in order
pappaecho
Well-Known Member
I have got a sale on at the moment for spirit level and compass bubbles - any takers
Sniper
Well-Known Member
Thanks all - looks like one of those situations where a lot of heartache and messing around will be saved by just biting the bullet and replacing it.
fishermantwo
Well-Known Member
I have repaired my plastimo and others, topped them up with Propylene Glycol. The plastimo has been perfect since. My old brass one on my fishing boat has a small leak still. diaphram probably leaking. I've just sealed up the air vent and drain holes with Devcon and eventually the whole body will be full of fluid. I guess there will be a time when the remaining air expanding will stop further leaking. Its only for decoration anyway.
