Leaky plastic in compass housing?

[Skipper11]

I purchased a Plastimo Hand bearing compass new back in about 1990 and continued to use it without issue until about 2012, after which the sailboat was laid up and kept under cover.
Very recently I decided to clean her out and, on finding the compass still in its vertical holding bracket, discovered it had leaked a considerable amount of the "oil" contained within the instrument
On advice from an instrument technician, I topped it up through the filler port (screw in plug) with baby oil until there was no air space remaining and thought that might be fixed
However, it now is showing signs that the oil in actually leaking "through the plastic body" (like it is porous) with miniscule, tiny dots of oil appearing on the outer surface of the compass clear plastic body edges
This is just above the side joint, so not actually the joint leaking, which appears to be a glued joint at time of original assembly - and I have never touched the oil fill until now
"Is this even possible!"
I have used a magnifying glass to examine after wiping the surface clean and leaving a few hours, it can be seen to be covered in these tiny droplets again, and is "oily" to the touch
Has anyone else had such an experience? Or am I just going mad in my old age?

 

[PabloPicasso]

Time for a new one.

 

[MAURICE]

yep new one i had leaks from my main compass in the end just bought a new one.

 

[PCUK]

If you want avoid the cost of a new compass you may be able to repair the casing with resin and tissue after comprehensively degreasing it and then sanding to give a rough finish. A new one would be better though.

 

[Skipper11]

Thanks for the responses, however I don't really "need" a new compass, but rather was wondering if anyone had seen this phenomenon before? And could it be perhaps there is a better oil to use that may be less prone to leak though the plastic? Even a flush out with an appropriate cleaning agent, then perhaps an internal bath using a clear sealant that would not affect the accuracy of the compass, followed by a refill of oil maybe? Twas a gift from my long since deceased parents and if I could preserve it in working condition rather than just make it look "patched up" it would be of some merit to spend the time, otherwise I shall just dispatch it to the graveyard of all things plastic and move on. Anyone ever tried a fix like this that they could recommend?
Let's face it, I can go down to my local store and buy a new compass, probably for a fraction of that these things cost back in the day but where is the satisfaction in that?

 

[penberth3]

Thanks for the responses, however I don't really "need" a new compass, but rather was wondering if anyone had seen this phenomenon before? And could it be perhaps there is a better oil to use that may be less prone to leak though the plastic?....

Plastics are not 100% impermeable, oil (and other substances) can eventually find their way through.

And this is 35 years old? I'd say that's end of life, don't waste time trying to repair it.