My compass has sprung a leak

Sixpence

Sixpence

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Some time ago I posted in the 'wanted' section that I would appreciate a steering compass, and this was replied to by PM, many thanks PC /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Compass was duly transported from one end of the country to the other before finally being picked up by yours truly, and once cleaned up it was proudly fitted to my baby /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Compass.jpg


Unfortunately, something seems to have gone wrong and it has decided to empty its fluid all over the cockpit floor /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Now, I've done some searches for this and found it to be something of a hot potato over in PBO so rather than stir it up again, has anyone got the definitive answer as to what the liquid is, and how do I go about filling it up again ?
Asking this here because I know East Coasters don't get into arguments about such things, which never helps the OP in the end
Anyone help ?
 
You need to contact the maker.... there are several different potential fillings, and you need the correct one.... the wrong one can cause the numbers inside to dissolve!

Filling it is usually through a plug in the top.... just a case of being careful, keeping any bubbles out, and filling it right to the top!
 
First off Dave, have you repaired the leak?

Ensure you have cleaned and abraded the area for a good key. Use Araldite Rapid or similar to repair.

Drill a small, about 1mm Hole in top behind where it sits in the bulkhead. Use syringe to refill, then Araldite the hole again.

You can use Surgical sprit, high voltage vodka or white paraffin. Higher the specific gravity the better.

It will empty over time, as the same process that all alcohol distilling does - its caled the Angel's share. Even HM Customs allows it at 1% per year in distilleries.!

PS If you need to clean the glass, use a decent toothpaste and a yellow duster. Amaze your friends with the result.
 
No idea where it's leaking from at the moment, didn't even know they could and didn't realise there was any diaphram either, so first job is going to be taking it to find the cause which I didn't want to do without knowing more about it and having the right stuff ready to fill it up again. So thanks to all for input, all helps
If PC looks in here Jim, he may remember what it looked like when he sent it. You couldn't even see through the ball let alone tell what direction it was pointing, so I hope he's pleased with how it looks now, just need to get it working again /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
Our compass on Chellers leaked mysteriously from the back inside our fire extinguisher cupboard (there is probably a technical name for the cupboard but I don't know it). James thought about it for a bit and then magically repaired it - I am not sure with what.

Anyway, he refilled it and it seems to work pretty well now. When he returns I am sure he will share his words of wisdom!
 
Dave

I have a spare one of those that I replaced.
The glass is rather misty but it seems that you can cure that.
There is also some paint on the bezel where Sirenia's previous owner had not heard of masking tape or removing thing before painting.
It had not leaked last time I saw it.
Happy to let you have it.

Clive
 
That's excellent, thanks Clive, I'll be able to collect on the pirates weekend if that's alright. From what I've read about the problem it seems that once it's started leaking it's likely to carry on so I'll keep this one topped up until we see you. Much appreciated
 
Quote"Thought everyone knew I was skint "

good enough reason not to be able to afford a new one
 
Thanks Joe, remind me one day and I'll post a link to my blog. Makes for some pretty surprising and sometimes scary revelations. Makes me wonder how we ever managed to get her done at all.
Thanks again, to everyone.
 
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