compass

[old salt]

Does anyone know what fluid is in compass. I have a large bubble in mine. If possible I would like to repair it myself. Any help will be apreceated.

 

[JimPend]

I've always used Lighter Fluid.

 

[Wen]

Google it...lots of good answers there....

 

[pdecat]

mineral spirits worked fine for me

 

[L. Keith]

If you have a bubble, you have a leak. You can try the home boy fixes, but you need your compass rebuilt with new seals and gaskets. I've seen some funky stuff growing inside of a compass when anything but sterile compass oil was used.

 

[Cam]

I'll secind the mineral spirits.

 

[November Charlie]

If the pivot has dried at all, it will be shot as well.

 

[sammid]

If it's a Ritchie compass, parts are available. L Kieth is right. You have a leak. Ritchie sells a new diaphragm for about $11. Older ones use oderless mineral spirits. Newer ones use alcohol, I think. Put a new diaphragm in, fill 3/4 or so with mineral spirits, put compass and extra mineral spirits in the freezer overnight then top off the next morning. I used that technique 3 years ago and the bubble has not reappered.

 

[old salt]

Sammid. I think you have the answer. Thanks, Old Salt.

 

[Sandy]

From Ritchie's site : http://www.ritchienavigation.com/service/faq.html