Refilling a Suunto F-95 Compass

[Steve E.]

Greetings all,

I have a 1999 Hunter 310 that has a factory installed Suunto F-95 series compass. Over the years, the fluid has evaporated/leaked out to the point that very little fluid is left. It still has enough to spin, but I would like to fill it back up. I have seen a few threads about using baby oil, kerosene, etc to refill it.

I have not been able to find a service manual or instructions on how to refill the compass. My greatest fear is taking it apart to find out how to refill it only to damage it to the point where I need to buy a replacement.

I am a lake sailor (for the time being) so the compass isn't used for anything more than basic navigation for the kids to sail by. "Hold this heading" type of stuff. Nothing where I truly need it, so replacing it isn't high on the priority list. Given that this wont be my final boat, it may never be replaced.

Anyhow, does anyone have a service manual or anything on this compass they can direct me to? Also any recommendations to what type of fluid to use would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks,

 

[Greg Reardon]

You might want to pose the question to Ridge White. He's an expert in compasses and instruments. My Ritchie Navistar compass was in tough shape and was fixed as good as new for far less than replacement. Robert E. White Instruments (www.robertwhite.com)

 

[Steve Dion]

Steve: You may want to call Nor-Cal Compass (415/453-3923) and ask him about the compass. If there is fluid missing (where did it go, how did it get out after 15 years). He rebuilt our compass and it looked like new.

He can also advise you on the fluid for your compass. You may find that there are different types for different compasses.

 

[Benny17441]

Use mineral oil. A seal or O ring must be shot. If the leak is not large or fast you may get some use put of it. A repair tech will have the tools to pressure test it. Refurbishing compass is not a do it yourself job.

 

[Kings Gambit]

There is/was an authorized factory representative for Suunto in Mattapoisett, ME; Andrews Compass Service; 508-758-3001. He'll likely tell you to send it in; or otherwise send you the necessary parts, which is everything except the card and bowl. Can use Ritchie oil, I hear.

 

[Ed Caldwell]

Is it worth the price to service?

There is/was an authorized factory representative for Suunto in Mattapoisett, ME; Andrews Compass Service; 508-758-3001. He'll likely tell you to send it in; or otherwise send you the necessary parts, which is everything except the card and bowl. Can use Ritchie oil, I hear.

I just got off the phone with Ray Andrews regarding our Suunto compass. He quoted almost $200 for replacing parts and refilling the compass. He also recommended switching to a Ritchie Helmsman 742 (under $150 with shipping) as long as you're willing to cut the mounting hole out a little bigger. I'll be comparing the mounting template shortly to decide if that's the route I'll take on our H340.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Re: Is it worth the price to service?

Sounds similar to the conversation I had with Ray a couple of years ago regarding my Suunto. I opted for the parts at about half the price of a shop repair, plus a little coaching on how to do it. Of course, one needs a vacuum chamber to degas the oil. However, never did get the compass entirely bubble-free. A refit might be the way to go!

 

[Steve E.]

Thanks for all the advice. At this point, it is still spinning (don't know if it will on a heel yet) but it will likely work until it stops, then be left as a non functioning unit. I don't use it at all as a navigation tool, and $200+ is more than I am willing to spend on it right now.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[H30Gary]

I went with a Ritchie Supersport compass. It has a black body with a blue card. The blue card is very distinctive and elegant-looking. Maybe a bit more expensive than the 742, but not much.