Compass problem

[Sam F]

Maybe someone has run across this one before:
I have a fairly inexpensive compass. This is a SeaFit (don't remember the model #) and mounts in a small bracket that allows it to pivot to something approaching level. This worked fine for several years but this year has developed a large bubble which allows the card to "ground" out in it's case. Naturally it's now useless. Is there any way to refill this with fluid? In the old days the fluid was alcohol but I doubt that is still in use. Any suggestions?
Yeah I know replace it... but it's not in the budget this summer. I have to buy much more exciting stuff like washing machines... :(

[Matt Middleton]

Hi Sam
This is a link to the Montero/Raider board. Some Monteros have a dash mounted inclinometer that will crack and leak its fluid out at some point. It's pretty common practice to refill and seal these. Check out the link for specifics.
Inclinometer fix (http://www.outdoorwire.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=69&t=003989&p=)

Matt

[nedL]

The first question - is there a removable screw through which fluid can be added? If not there is not much you can do. If there is then you should be able to take care of it. You would need to figure out if it is alchohol or oil in there (maybe the mfg. can tell you). Once you have a compatable fluid put both the compass & fluid in the refrigerator (or better -freezer) for 24 hrs before refilling. This will help to keep the bubble from reforming (if there are no leaks).

[ 06-20-2002, 04:03 PM: Message edited by: nedL ]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Never done this, BUT...

Once you find and fix the leak, and assuming there's no access by a removable screw or something similar, why couldn't you take a watermelon needle (the kind you buy for $5 in a liquor store to "juice" a watermelon with vodka or everclear or whatever) heat it to red-hot, pierce the plastic compass dome at an inconspicuous spot, and inject new fluid?

After which you heat-seal the needle hole. If you're about to throw the compass out anyway, this might be worth a try.

Alan

[ 06-20-2002, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: Alan D. Hyde ]

[Rich VanValkenburg]

If you have a fill screw, sample some of the fluid with a Q-tip. Careful now, try to light it. If it burns readily, clear lamp oil would be a compatible fluid. I spent hours one night trying to find a compatible mix for a Suunto. I found out almost by accident about the lamp oil.

Rich

[Sam F]

Thanks folks for the suggestions. I have the technology to drill and tap a hole :D so I may be able to reseal it with a teflon tape wrapped screw.
nedL: The fridge idea is good... that hadn't occured to me at all.
I'd also never thought of lamp oil or Rich's idea of testing it that way either. If that's what it turns out to be I've got plenty.
Alan, believe it or not the watermelon needle is new to me too. Gee, I guess I should drink more!
As you said it's junk anyway so I have nothing to lose.
Whatever happens, I'll post the results... it may be of some use to the next person with this problem.

[gary porter]

Sam, you should be able to go to the nearest airport with a mechanic that services small aircraft. They will have compass fluid.

[Concordia..41]

Mineral oil – you get it at any drug store.

Dave

Sun over the foreyard

[Mike Field]

Another recommended way of testing for the type of liquid is to put a couple of drops on a piece of paper. If it evaporates it's alcohol, if it turns the paper transparent it's oil.

[mariner2k]

mine is mineral spirits

[Sam F]

Mineral oil... Yes that's what it looks like.
I took the beast apart yesterday and here's what I found:
The plastic hemisphere has a circular opening at it's base filled with a black "rubber" bellows arrangement which acts as an expansion/contraction chamber for temp changes.
I see now the problem is that this is covered in small cracks and one pin hole leak.
The bellows is apparently glued in place and I can see no way to remove / replace it. I may try to contact the manufacturer but I'm not optimistic... DRAT! :(

[Mike Field]

Sam, why not just remove the bellows (destroying it/them if necessary,) fill her up (do the fridge trick,) then seal the whole lot with a piece of plastic bedded down on goop?