Without an air bubble, what happens when the fluid gets hot and expands? My Ritchie r-82 lost all of its fluid during a recent triple digit heat spell when my boat was stored on the trailer. Hottest temp I observed was 116f Apparently the seal between the dome/base failed. That’s where the fluid came out Thanks! I
Do all marine compasses have the same liquid in them? Does the bubble make any difference to the functioning of the compass, or it is just estetics and visability?
I believe that there can be some different liquids used. You should check your compass to see what it used. The bubble won’t necessarily affect accuracy of the compass unless the level is really low (uncovering the dial).
Hello Jose, I don't use anything special to fill my compass. I just buy low-odor mineral oil. I get it at my local big-box home improvement store in the paint section.
I dont know..I suspect temperature / pressure fluctuation, and maybe it can leak a little (or get air in somehow). I refilled mine back in November 2021, and it is still looking great in September 2022. I think if it loses the "pressure" on the diaphragm, then temperature and pressure variations will cause the air bubble. So, "pulling the diaphragm" down some while filling, holding it there, and tightening the fill screw is the key.
nothing evident. could have been the fill plug, but no real sign of the leak. The compass has been on the boat since April 1, and no air bubble…so I am happy.
Thanks a lot for your video it sure made my life a lot easier.
Glad it helped! I have filled mine the hard way before I figured this out.
Neat trick, thanks for sharing. I own an Oday 322 also. Thanks for making these videos.
Thanks worked like a charm.
Mine are filled with mineral oil. I was unaware of using mineral spirits.
Without an air bubble, what happens when the fluid gets hot and expands? My Ritchie r-82 lost all of its fluid during a recent triple digit heat spell when my boat was stored on the trailer. Hottest temp I observed was 116f
Apparently the seal between the dome/base failed. That’s where the fluid came out
Thanks!
I
There is a rubber bladder under the bottom of the compass that allows for some expansion and contraction.
Do all marine compasses have the same liquid in them? Does the bubble make any difference to the functioning of the compass, or it is just estetics and visability?
I believe that there can be some different liquids used. You should check your compass to see what it used. The bubble won’t necessarily affect accuracy of the compass unless the level is really low (uncovering the dial).
Hello i was wondering can you send me a link where i can buy this oil or the name specially for this Richie compass
Hello Jose, I don't use anything special to fill my compass. I just buy low-odor mineral oil. I get it at my local big-box home improvement store in the paint section.
How about freezing temps? Will mineral spirits freeze up and expand.
No, mine hasn’t frozen, and I am in the great white Windy City of Chicago (well a suburb). Boat sits outside at the marina all winter.
How to adjust the dial?
Do you mean how to calibrate the compass? I believe the 2 crossing bars have something to do with calibration, but I am not sure.
Where the heck does the fluid go? I have an air bubble also. No leaks anywhere.
I dont know..I suspect temperature / pressure fluctuation, and maybe it can leak a little (or get air in somehow). I refilled mine back in November 2021, and it is still looking great in September 2022. I think if it loses the "pressure" on the diaphragm, then temperature and pressure variations will cause the air bubble. So, "pulling the diaphragm" down some while filling, holding it there, and tightening the fill screw is the key.
Set your compass on a piece of white paper, on your desk for a few days and the leak will leave a stain.
You did not check where the compass is leaking?
nothing evident. could have been the fill plug, but no real sign of the leak.
The compass has been on the boat since April 1, and no air bubble…so I am happy.
Mineral spirits or Mineral Oil
Mineral spirits is what I used.