Loss of liquid in compass: can it be replaced?

[Guest]

I have two 10 year old bulkhead compasses fitted - both Cap Ben make - and both with the same problem. Is it possible to "top them up" in some way?

 

[Guest]

There is usualy a filling hole somewhere and if is only a small bubble getting this to the top and easing the screw/plug at the same time applying slight pressure can get rid of it then re tighten. If it is a large loss of fluid you will have to find out exactly what the fluid is, then find the leak. If plastic seal with soldering iron very carefully if metal solder then refill with the same fluid. Two alternatives 1) buy new 2)if good quality send to reparers.

 

[Guest]

Check what type of fluid is in your existing compass.

I read on a thread somewhere that one compass was filled with a kerosene type fluid.

Disimilar fluids might separate and could look a little strange.

 

[Guest]

I use White Spirit in my compass

 

[Guest]

Yes you can replace it YOURSELF

I've done it with my Sestral Compass. I contacted the agents for my compass and bought a bottle of spare fluid. I then opened the filling cap in the bottom and put the compass and spare fluid in the frig over night. Next day I topped up the compass, screwed on the filling cap securely, wiped it clean and left it on a paper towel in a warm room for a few days in order to check for leaks. I found one in the filling cap washer. On replacing the washer all was well.

Do try to get THE fluid for YOUR compass, mixing different fluids is NOT recommended. What the respective fluids are, I don't know. Good luck.

 

[Guest]

Yes - White Sprit works very well *

nm

 

[Guest]

No, it cannot be replaced - it will have evaporated and be lost by now. I suggest you purchase new liquid.

 

[Guest]

I replaced the liquid in my binnacle compass quite easily. The fluid is mineral spirits. There should be a fill / drain hole on the compass. I removed the compass from the binnacle so I could turn this fill hole uppermost. I removed the plug, poured in the new fluid and replaced the plug. It was as easy as that.

 

[Guest]

Re: Yes you can replace it YOURSELF

Agree with Johnbb. I refilled my old Sestrel with industrial alcohol and used a hypodermic to top up. The fridge trick helped.

No, I am not a drug fuelled alcoholic!

 

[Guest]

Re: Yes - White Sprit works very well *

I agree, white spirit was advised to me by a compass-repairshop. It is however not to be used for refilling after major leaks, because to much white spirit will soften the rubber components in the compass.

 

[Guest]

Yes replace it YOURSELF

I replaced the fluid on my old silva hand bearing compass. I drained the existing fluid, rinsed with absolute alcohol and refilled with absolute alcohol using a hypodermic syringe bought from Tesco.

If I ever get short of a drink it might get raided!

Fair winds

 

[pratkins]

I have successfully used white spirit, testing it first to make sure it would mix with the original liquid. All is well, BUT , now the compass card will not sit level. I guess it has been neglected too long with only half the liquid. Is there anything that can be done to put this right? I have set it up on my bench to see if overnight will make any difference.

 

[pvb]

This must be a record! Replying to a thread which is over 13 years old takes some researching!

 

[Pye_End]

Is there a bubble under the card?

 

[NickRobinson]

Is there a bubble under the card?

You can buy bubbles on Ebay.....

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I overhauled a compass and filled with white spirit; worked well, crystal clear.

 

[nigelmercier]

This must be a record! Replying to a thread which is over 13 years old takes some researching!

Not only that, but it gives duff gen as well. While some compasses may use alcohol, there is a special fluid that should be used. It is NOT white spirit.

 

[richardabeattie]

Sorry to ask a dumb question but does a bit of air in the top of the compass really matter?

 

[Salty John]

Some compasses are filled with mineral oil, some with mineral spirit and never the 'twain shall meet.

When you hear people talk about filling their compasses with vodka or gin, a ludicrous waste, those are spirit filled versions. If you put spirit in a previously oil filled compass I've been told it can take the numbers off the card, so check first.

 

[sailorman]

Sorry to ask a dumb question but does a bit of air in the top of the compass really matter?

It indicates the diaphragm is becoming weak or leaking