compass oil leak

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ssardone

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Jun 29, 2004
42
-Hunter 320 Grapevine Lake
When I arrived at the boat Saturday I found a flow of oil coming from the pedestal area. Eventually noticed that the compass was about half empty. As far as I know it is the original Suunto compass from Hunter. When I removed it there was oil dripping directly from the bottom of the compass where the adjustment control is located. Any suggestions on where to have it repaired? I believe the opening to refill the oil is on the side but I need to figure out the leak first. 2001 Hunter 320.

thanks

steve
 
Ralph Johnstone

Ralph Johnstone

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Jan 4, 2006
7,054
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
The Leak is Coming ...............................

................... from a small rubber bellows which allows for thermal expansion and contraction of the oil. Had the same thing happen a few years ago when mine went for no reason.

I had mine repaired by an technical instrument repair shop. Not a job for amateurs as I was shown how the new oil was placed under high vacuum in the compass for 24 hours before being sealed. Ensures no little gas bubbles appear down the road when the compass gets hot in the sun. Mine is still bubble free after four years.
 
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Irony

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Sep 11, 2010
4
Hunter 290 Poole
once you have fixed the leak you can use baby oil to replace the compass oil.
I replaced mine 3 years ago with no issues.

Good luck.
Irony
 
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Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,145
CC 30 South Florida
I echo the warning that it is not a job for amateurs. Unless you know of a qualified repair shop let the compass's manufacturer direct you to one of their authorized repair shops. The compass casings and seal seats require close tolerances, a qualified technician will subject the repaired unit to a time pressure test to verify the unit is properly sealed. A rebuild unit should be just as good as a new one at around 1/2 the price.
 
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RonRelyea

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Sep 2, 2009
339
Hunter Vision-32 New Hamburg, NY
Compass Rebuild

I rebuilt my Ritchie compass a year ago .... new globe to replace a cracked one, and new gaskets. I had the mineral spirits I used in my freezer overnight before refilling the compass. No air bubbles or any other problems to date. Not rocket science - first time I ever did this.
 
S

ssardone

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Jun 29, 2004
42
-Hunter 320 Grapevine Lake
compass repair

Suunto referred me to Andrews Compass Repair. Suunto no longer manufactures marine compasses.
 
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