I have a Danforth 4 1/2" Constellation compass. It has a small air bubble in it. I see it has a fill hole on the bottom, and my question is: Can I use alcohol to top off? Does it need to be a special type? Thanks in advance for the help.
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special oil
You can buy special "compass fluid" at West Marine. I believe it is not much more than glorified "white" kerosene.
You can buy special "compass fluid" at West Marine. I believe it is not much more than glorified "white" kerosene.
Mineral Oil
My impression was that the oil is mineral oil. But from the sounds of it, you, me and the other guy are too inexperienced to try to fix it. I'd leave it to a pro and have the compass set while I was at it.
My impression was that the oil is mineral oil. But from the sounds of it, you, me and the other guy are too inexperienced to try to fix it. I'd leave it to a pro and have the compass set while I was at it.
Answer here
It's here in the archives! Check the archives for articles about the compass bubbles, type of oil, and places to have it repaired.
It's here in the archives! Check the archives for articles about the compass bubbles, type of oil, and places to have it repaired.
Compass Oil is Special Oil
Like Don said, the oil used in a compass is special oil. The oil used in a compass is specially formulated to resist yellowing in sunlight so you'll have to go to a specialty store. Because the fluid is not 100-percent "yellow-proof", to prevent discoloration the compass should be kept covered when not in use, preferably something that's opaque but with a light color. Ritchie sells a compass oil under their trade name: http://www.go2marine.com/g2m/action/ViewSkuInfo/sku/21912/categoryId/13076/ Aviation on-line supply: http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=serve
Like Don said, the oil used in a compass is special oil. The oil used in a compass is specially formulated to resist yellowing in sunlight so you'll have to go to a specialty store. Because the fluid is not 100-percent "yellow-proof", to prevent discoloration the compass should be kept covered when not in use, preferably something that's opaque but with a light color. Ritchie sells a compass oil under their trade name: http://www.go2marine.com/g2m/action/ViewSkuInfo/sku/21912/categoryId/13076/ Aviation on-line supply: http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=serve
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