What Happened to The Fluid in my Compass?

[ShaneCarroll]

I don't know how or why, but all the fluid (water?) in my compass evaporated! It was in there before I left to work in Ohio, I covered the boat, and I come back and it's gone. . Does this mean I have to buy a whole new compass or can this one be refilled?

 

[JB]

Re: What Happened to The Fluid in my Compass?

Depends on how the fluid (odorless mineral spirits) got out.

If your compass is a Ritchie, you can purchase a new ball and card, but it would cost almost as much as a replacement compass.

If a Ritchie, go to a drug store and ask for odorless mineral spirits. You can now pull and refill the ball. On some models you will need a syringe and needle to penetrate the rubber seal; on others the seal is removable.

If it is not a Ritchie, trash it and get a Ritchie.

 

[Boatist]

Re: What Happened to The Fluid in my Compass?

My compass was good for about the first 15 years but now have to top off about every two years or I get a air bubble at the top.

If your fluid was good one day and gone the next then likely have some type of seal failure. Unless it a 6 inch card or larger probable cheaper to get a new compass of your choice.

As far as the compass fluid itself West Marine Sell Ritchie compass Fluid
SH-0154 in one pint bottle. I do not remember how much it was but was cheap.

It is possible the fill plug came out. Mine has a Fill cap then under the fill cap is another screw to remove so you can add fluid a drop or two at a time.

Good Luck

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What Happened to The Fluid in my Compass?

Check for a wet spot/stain on the floor. That's where the fluid went.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: What Happened to The Fluid in my Compass?

Well, it was three weeks that the fluid had to drain out, so any wet spot would have evaporated. It is a Ritchie compass, I will check it out, but probably end up getting a new one. I just wanted to know if it's common for the fluid to disappear, or if maybe it's broken. Thank you all for the advice.