Compass Repair Advice

[Raghauler]

I've been avoiding a problem I noticed late last summer, and I suppose I should begin taking any advice one can offer.<br /><br />My 4 year old (Saturn) bulkhead mounted compass is leaking oil. I haven't looked at it yet, but I suppose my first step is to look at the bladder. Anyone have experience repairing these? Is this fiy or should it be set to a pro? A new one is about $75. Thanks in advance.

 

[boatneck]

Re: Compass Repair Advice

I had to repair bulkhead mounted compass and used mineral spirits, not oil. Look up in Chapman's. Some compasses have refill port. Mine didn't. Had to punch a small hole in bladder and fill it with mineral spirits and then patched it with a caulk. The caulk has to be not dissolvable by the mineral spirits. I used something called Polyseamseal and seemed to work fine. Also, best to find where the original leak was and fix that before you add mineral spirits. Used same caulk for that.

 

[sony2001]

Re: Compass Repair Advice

I think the recommended liquid is kerosene. A substitute might be JP4 jet fuel!

 

[singerjr]

Re: Compass Repair Advice

First off let me just say I know nothing about compasses or the oil but I do know a lot about solvents, various plastics, rubber (real and synthetic)<br /><br />Mineral spirits and kerosene are both solvents that will attack most of the above materials. They can weaken dull crack and dry-out these materials. They can cause spider crackes and make the harder materials very brital. They can "cloud" clear materials (except glass) <br /><br />They will not attack some sealers that are not solvent based like silicone.<br /><br />I'm not saying it will not work because I don't know the materials your compass is made from.<br /><br />I'm saying know ALL the facts before you damage your compass. <br /><br />Contact the manufacturer and ask them how to repair. Get it repaired or find out how to repair it from a qualified technician.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[rigerman]

Re: Compass Repair Advice

My 2 cents worth would be to have the manufacturer reapir it. I don't have any experience with Saturn but I do with Ritchie compasses. Had a problem with mine leaking oil. Sent the 8 year old compass to them for repairs. They replaced the housing (hair line crack that opened up when the plastic expanded), up dated the faded card, dome, other items, and calibrated it. Repairs cost about $40, compared to $115 new. Had this done over the winter since the boat was in storage here in western NY.

 

[sony2001]

Re: Compass Repair Advice

Raghauler sorry for the off-the-cuff remark. Compasses are filled with alcohol. That way they don't freeze and offer bouyancy to the pivot. I don't know the type of alcohol used.

 

[JB]

Re: Compass Repair Advice

I don't know about other makes, Raghauler, but Ritchies use mineral spirits. Adding any other liquid will write it off.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB