Plastimo Iris 50 Compass bubble and liquid

[haydude]

My Plastimo compass always had a bubble that has now grown larger.
Before buying a new one I would like to give a go at topping it up.

Would anyone know which liquid should I use for this compass?

I would like some certainty from somebody who really knows what goes in there as I am good a guesses too.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Csail]

Alcohol normally.

 

[VicS]

Almost ceratinly not alcohol

the only sound advice you can be given is to obtain the correct fluid from a compass repairer.
Use the wrong fluid and you risk wrecking the compass by removing the markings from the card or damaging any seals there may be.

FWIW I know that at one time Plastimo used one of the Esso Bayol range .. but it is NLA. A compass repairer should have a suitable alternative

Forumite Neil S topped his up successfully several years ago with ordinary domestic paraffin. I'd have used barbecue lighting fluid in preference as I have had that analysed in the laboratory, but there you go.

Some small compasses use white spirit.


I suggest BPSC marine http://www.bpsc-marine.co.uk/ ( an occasional forum contributor)
or Sirs Navigation perhaps

 

[dleroc]

As my recently acquired small boat came with an old plastimo compass with a bubble in it, I would be interested to know what problem this bubble is supposed to cause.

It still points to magnetic north, as far as I can make out.

Any answers please?

 

[chewi]

I have successfully topped up my Plastimo 100 compass with Johnsons baby oil several years ago now.
It smelt the same as the oil that was already in there, and it is plainly a clean clear oil, it doesn't take the lettering off the dial, and its easy to obtain at a chemist along with a cheap pipette.

I think there's a strong likelihood they use the same stuff in the Iris.