Getting rid of a bubble in Plastimo Iris 50 Compass

[Pugwash117]

Hi all,
I've seen various threads on this, but has anyone ever actually successfully got rid of (in my case nearly a 3/4 inch) bubble in a Plastimo Iris 50 handheld compass? How did you actually - successfully! - do it?

Various online sources suggest taking to a compass service agent (who what?) and the like, but who seriously does that?

I'm just otherwise sorely tempted to leave the damn thing in it and not fiddle with it!!!

I'll post best solution if I try it and it works.
Thanks!

 

[macd]

You need bubble solvent. I believe the Acme corporation supply it if you're wiley enough to find their website.
Otherwise just regard it as a convenient heeling indicator.

OK, I'll go now...

 

[Pugwash117]

Ah yes, got me there... got me Runnin' down the Road for that one! As for a convenient heeling indicator, yep, I might just go with that. Memo to self... check at Cobblers next time in town....
Cheers,
Clive

 

[PCUK]

You need the correct fluid and a hypodermic needle. Remove the drain plug and with the bubble under the hole, pass the needle into the bottom of the chamber and inject the fluid. This will blow the bubble out of the drain hole.

 

[sailorman]

Take the compass out & sent is to Barry as the diaphragm is undoubtedly leaking

Barry Phillips
BPSC Marine Services
Unit 4 Park Business Ctr
1 Park Rd
Southampton
SO15 3US

 

[nemodreams]

Not sure about the Plastimo - but I fixed an Axium ( very similar I think )
Take of the rubber cover and you find a small orifice - sealed at the surface.

On the Axium - it was a small rubber bung - then the top was smeared off with some sort of sealant ( soft ) I had the axium actually to bits - opened the case and cleaned the magnet bezel etc. I was amazed in actually was made to open ( the rear casing prised off with an o ring seal )

Anyway - whats is in them is generally ( according to Sestrel who refilled my main bulkhead compass yeras ago - is a clear praffin type mineral oil )

For the small handheld I used white spirit.

The only way - is to completely immerse the unit in the fluid - get all the bubbles out - and put in the bung while under the fluid. The dry off - degrease the bung top and re-smear with some silicone.

Thats why I used white spirit - it plentiful and cheap. You can use it afterwards - so does not go to waste. Works fine.

Even though white spirit is fairly mild - totlaly immersing yours hands in it is not good ! Use rubber gloves.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

You need bubble solvent. I believe the Acme corporation supply it if you're wiley enough to find their website.
Otherwise just regard it as a convenient heeling indicator.

OK, I'll go now...

Is it as fool-proof as their explosives?