compass fluid, consensus?

[G15876]

It appears that my Gemini Compass on the steering pedestal of our C30 1987 has sprung a leak and is slowly losing fluid.I checked the archives on this subject but there does not appear to be a consensus on the type of liquid to be use to top up a compass. (mineral oil or not) I was wondering if this matter could be settled based on more recent experiences.Any expert advice confirming which liquid to use once I fixed it???Thanks again for your help!GGC30TRBS 1987

 

[Jack W]

Compass Fluid

I had a compass leak recently and while scouring the internet I found that oderless Mineral Spirits was the secret oil/fluid that manufacturers use to fill their compasses.Hope this helps!JackFrom the Ask Don Casey archives at BoatsUS:Q: The compass mounted at our boat's helm has no fluid in it. (It came with the boat.) The card jumps around so much that it's almost impossible to read at cruising speed. Can we refill the compass globe, or will we have to buy another compass?  A: An empty compass suggests a leak and, depending on the compass, effecting repair might not be economical. The pivot could also have suffered damage while the compass has been empty. The thing to do is to refill the compass to determine if it has a leak or other problems.<p> The so-called compass fluid is simply odorless mineral spirits, which you can buy at any hardware store for a couple of bucks. Turn the compass over, remove its threaded plug, and fill it slowly with mineral spirits. The fill hole must be the highest point for all the air to escape. If, after you replace the plug, the dome remains bubble free and the card rotates smoothly, you are all set. If the fluid leaks out or the card "sticks," unless this is a really expensive compass you should probably just buy a new one.

 

[G15876]

That settle's it!

Jack,Thanks for the information, it is greatly appreciated. Not to mention that it settles one of life mysteries!Now I can tackle yet another small repair project/challenge on this fine vessel!GC30TRBS 1987

 

[Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO]

PS

The Navy's name for odorless mineral spirits is Varsol (a trade name I think).

 

[Glenn17467]

Compass repair

My compass had an air bubble in it when I purchased it last year. I took it to be repaired at a local nautical instrument repair facility, they rebuilt the compass to like new. Cost, less than $100. When I purchased the boat, 1980 standard rig, the surveyor told me the cables were bad and to replace them. The previous owner said he had them adjusted stiff for safety. I check with the repair yard on how much it would cost to replace them and they suggested disconnecting the cables from the throttle and transmission. If they worked freely then the problem was with the bushing and not the cables. New bushings from Edson and problem solved.