Suunto compass leaking oil

[adirondacktom]

Suunto disappointing - here's my latest (and last) communication with them:
(to customer service):
As I wrote in previous emails, the problem is that the bulkhead is cut out to fit the existing Suunto compass. No other will fit. Thus I must have the hole filled in and the surrounding gelcoat matched and replaced - very costly and time consuming, then a new compass hole created to fit still another compass. Can't you send me some parts, like the flexible diaphragm, so that I can at least TRY to repair it myself?



Thank you for contacting Suunto Customer Support.

If your compass is more than 10 years, we cannot make any repairing, for not being economical. We may advise you to buy another one because it is more convenient. Should you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Customer Support Team
Suunto

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

sounds like a communications problem

 

[Gary_H]

My Suunto leaked as well and I contacted I believe it was Andrews Marine Compass service for repair. I ended up just buying a new one of the same model because it was not much more expensive as having the old one fixed and shipped back. There are third party compass repair services that may have the parts you need.

 

[kloudie1]

Another place to look..:
http://www.vikingcompass.com/compassrepair.html

 

[MrBill_FLL]

I had this same problem. tried to repair myself. (failed).

-cost to ship & repair, ( w/ no guarantee ) was 90% of new.

so I just bought new one.

-but I would not recommend this brand based on your and my experience. -it seemed like they didn't want that market any more... (now its watches, and electronics).

 

[Benny17441]

Years ago I ran into a similar situation with a different compass manufacturer. At the time the Rep was not at all inclined to sell and ship me the parts I was requesting. He was strongly urging me to send the compass for a rebuild at one of their authorized dealers. After I badgered him some he relented and I placed my order. I replaced the seals, the diaprahgm and the glass bubble and filled it with new mineral oil. Within a week it had leaked and I had learned a valuable lesson. Compass repair is not a do it yourself proposition. I then understood the importance of pressure testing a compass after a rebuild. It is likely the old cases were out of tolerance and could not be sealed properly. Such a rebuild would have entailed practically all new parts which at that point purchasing a new one would have made better sense. Don't be to hard on the manufacturer although they could perhaps explain their recommendation in a better way. Perhaps you can learn from my experience and save yourself some cost. As far as the hole it could be covered but no need to finish it will gelcoat if you use a wooden compass mount over it to install a unit.