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Author Topic:   Compass Refill

rsgwynn1 posted 04-18-2002 10:09 PM ET (US)
My 20 yr. old Ritchie has a large bubble in it and lots of spin. Is it possible to refill the fluid yourself? The Ritchie website says pure mineral spirits is the stuff, which I think I've seen in hardware stores.
JBCornwell posted 04-18-2002 10:31 PM ET (US)
Howdy RSGwynn.
I keep a can of odorless mineral spirits for that very purpose.
On the lower part of the plastic globe of the compass you will find a screw. Position the globe so that the bubble is under the screw and take it out.
Use an eyedropper or (better) a syringe to top her off. Put the screw back and you are good for a few more years.
Red sky at night. . .
JB :)
MCano posted 04-18-2002 10:33 PM ET (US)
Hello,
My Richie compass developed a buuble, which eventually turned into a nearly dry void, at the age of 9 years. I had the local marine electronics shop refill the compass for the price of around $50. Three years later, the bubble has reapeared. I'm thinking about replacing the compass this time. Another reader suggested that I convert to an electric (fosgate) compass. The reader is very happy with the performance of his compass. I hate to rely upon such an important piece of equipment which in turn relies on power. At this time I'm still undecided. Mean while the bubble keeps growing LOL.
Mario
rsgwynn1 posted 04-19-2002 08:57 AM ET (US)
The Ritchie website says that the washer should also be replaced. Says that the spirits evaporate in air so you can't see if there's a leak. Thanks for the tip, all.
rsgwynn1 posted 04-19-2002 05:59 PM ET (US)
It worked nicely, thanks. Only a tiny little Don Ho bubble now.
Kelly posted 04-22-2002 12:36 PM ET (US)
Great Thread! Now I think I know how to fix the bubble in my old red Ritchie.
Kelly

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Author	Topic: Compass Refill
rsgwynn1	posted 04-18-2002 10:09 PM ET (US) My 20 yr. old Ritchie has a large bubble in it and lots of spin. Is it possible to refill the fluid yourself? The Ritchie website says pure mineral spirits is the stuff, which I think I've seen in hardware stores.
JBCornwell	posted 04-18-2002 10:31 PM ET (US) Howdy RSGwynn. I keep a can of odorless mineral spirits for that very purpose. On the lower part of the plastic globe of the compass you will find a screw. Position the globe so that the bubble is under the screw and take it out. Use an eyedropper or (better) a syringe to top her off. Put the screw back and you are good for a few more years. Red sky at night. . . JB :)
MCano	posted 04-18-2002 10:33 PM ET (US) Hello, My Richie compass developed a buuble, which eventually turned into a nearly dry void, at the age of 9 years. I had the local marine electronics shop refill the compass for the price of around $50. Three years later, the bubble has reapeared. I'm thinking about replacing the compass this time. Another reader suggested that I convert to an electric (fosgate) compass. The reader is very happy with the performance of his compass. I hate to rely upon such an important piece of equipment which in turn relies on power. At this time I'm still undecided. Mean while the bubble keeps growing LOL. Mario
rsgwynn1	posted 04-19-2002 08:57 AM ET (US) The Ritchie website says that the washer should also be replaced. Says that the spirits evaporate in air so you can't see if there's a leak. Thanks for the tip, all.
rsgwynn1	posted 04-19-2002 05:59 PM ET (US) It worked nicely, thanks. Only a tiny little Don Ho bubble now.
Kelly	posted 04-22-2002 12:36 PM ET (US) Great Thread! Now I think I know how to fix the bubble in my old red Ritchie. Kelly