Compass bubble

Jam · July 09 2018, 00:21

Hi
Compass has developed a large bubble. I should try and rectify. Have read all sorts of stuff on other forums. It's a Suunto compass at the wheel.

John

Joe · July 10 2018, 08:07

Hi John,

I had the same problem and filled up the compass with high purified paraffin oil (lamp oil).
Works fine since 3 years already.

Joe

The Other Woman · July 10 2018, 12:45

Hi
This is what I did a few years ago and it's still standing.

http://bavariayacht.org/forum/index.php/topic,1618.msg9454.html#msg9454

Hope it helps
Mick

Jam · July 11 2018, 23:27

Hi
Excellent will have a go, appreciate info

Thanks
John

Ricd · July 12 2018, 17:15

When I bought the boat 10 years ago there was large bubble (about 2-3cm diamiter) in the compass, it was also mentioned in survey. Anyway, it never affected the compass accuracy and this year I have just noticed it has gone! How does that work?

Salty · July 12 2018, 19:17

Maybe all of the liquid has leaked out and now there's none left. Without the liquid you will have lost the damping effect that it has on your compass card. In other words the card will swing more freely making manual steering in an attempt to follow a compass course very much more difficult.

The Other Woman · July 13 2018, 07:26

Hi
I agree with salty the diaphragm will have perished that's what happens to mine.
Mick

Ricd · July 13 2018, 11:01

Quote from: Salty on July 12 2018, 19:17
Maybe all of the liquid has leaked out and now there's none left. Without the liquid you will have lost the damping effect that it has on your compass card. In other words the card will swing more freely making manual steering in an attempt to follow a compass course very much more difficult.

Fair point, I will need to investigate..ta