Compass

[Rum_Pirate]

Compass is now completely dry.

Would like to restore and use it.

What fluid is used to fill it?

Any pitfalls ?

 

[25931]

I'm looking at the gimballed one which sits on my desk and which I restored a number of years ago. Sestrel,Henry Browne & Sons Ltd. who I contacted and who sent me a bottle of a very light oil. I don't know if you have a compass adjuster in your part of the world but I imagine that they still exist somewhere. The problem could be if the bearings have been damaged whilst it was dry. II used a hypodermic syringe to fill.

 

[PilotWolf]

Baby oil works well - Tesco cashier never believed us on the IOW though

W.

 

[andyc352]

Compass is now completely dry.

Would like to restore and use it.

What fluid is used to fill it?

Any pitfalls ?

These people sent me a new diaphragm for my C Plath compass and the correct fluid. Use a small funnel or a syringe to fill. It’s lots of fun trying to get the last little bubble out.
Compass repair and certification

 

[Neeves]

Rum,

The question I ask - why did the compass lose the oil - it will be interesting but will waste your time if you do not answer the question.

Jonathan

 

[john_morris_uk]

Rum,

The question I ask - why did the compass lose the oil - it will be interesting but will waste your time if you do not answer the question.

Jonathan

’twas my first question too. Oil doesn’t evaporate from compasses; it leaks out. My money is on the diaphragm.

 

[Neeves]

Tesco cashier never believed us on the IOW though

W.

Take that as either a compliment or .....envy

Jonathan

 

[Rum_Pirate]

’twas my first question too. Oil doesn’t evaporate from compasses; it leaks out. My money is on the diaphragm.

Suspect best solution will be a replacement. ?

 

[Elvis patel]

Its totally leaks out oil.

 

[Refueler]

Many - incl Sestrel - use Iso Propyl Alcohol with water mix.

What is the liquid in magnetic compass? – Richardvigilantebooks.com

If you want increased dampening of card - then thoroughly remove all IPA traces and use Baby Oil.