plastimo 101bulkhead compass... re-fillable?

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centerline

centerline

.
Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
I have about an inch of air in my compass yet I dont see any leakage.... but my question is, can it be refilled?.... i have the instruction manual but it doesnt cover how to, or if it can be refilled.... thanks.
 
jrowan

jrowan

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Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
Yes, most compasses can be refilled. A very pure mineral oil is used. I would research what brand to use from Ritchie, if Plastimo is no longer in business. You would have to carefully remove the compass from the bulkhead mount, & look for a fill hole. If it has a plastic frame, the the manufacture may have welded the plastic opening shut permanently. If it has to be drilled then I wouldn't risk damaging the globe. Many compasses have a bubble inside the glass globe. It won't hurt the performance or accuracy, its just an aesthetic defect. Your lucky if you globe isn't crazed or fogged up. I think the Ritchie models are the most durable. You could always look for a used one in good shape oline-Ebay, etc.
 
centerline

centerline

.
Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
jrowan said:
Yes, most compasses can be refilled. A very pure mineral oil is used. I would research what brand to use from Ritchie, if Plastimo is no longer in business. You would have to carefully remove the compass from the bulkhead mount, & look for a fill hole. If it has a plastic frame, the the manufacture may have welded the plastic opening shut permanently. If it has to be drilled then I wouldn't risk damaging the globe. Many compasses have a bubble inside the glass globe. It won't hurt the performance or accuracy, its just an aesthetic defect. Your lucky if you globe isn't crazed or fogged up. I think the Ritchie models are the most durable. You could always look for a used one in good shape oline-Ebay, etc.
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this one is in perfect shape, it has always been covered and looks like new, and yes, it works great but the upper light doesnt work too well cuz the liquid is too low to catch it and carry it so it looks kinda strange at night. the lower light works ok but it would show the card better if both were illuminating the card properly.... but its all good:D
 
Joe

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,202
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
I have a Plastimo Compass similar to yours....to my knowledge the globe must be serviced by a technician...... here's is a related faq from the Plastimo website:

http://www.plastimo.com/uk/services/faq.php#quest7

Taking it a bit further the closest aftersales service for the Northwest is listed below. You may try contacting the manufacturer direct anyway... but the guys at Captain's Nautical Supply will be able to give you an estimate...

Captain's Nautical Supplies www.captainsnautical.com 800-448-2278

Finally, here is the page on their website showing the Contest 101 compass:

http://www.captainsnautical.com/252...es/Plastimo-Plastimo-Contest-101-Compass.html
 
B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,174
CC 30 South Florida
Refurbishing a compass properly is not a do it yourself proposition. Many attempts result in further leakeage within a few weeks. Parts must be replaced and the unit pressure tested for 24 hours before refilling with oil. My recommendation would be to continue using the compass the way it is until the oil is about 50% gone and then purchase a new one as getting parts for a Plastimo may be rather difficult. If the unit is in good condition you may try this: http://www.andrewscompass.com
 
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