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Topic:   Refilling a Richie Explorer Compass

Hoosier

posted 10-09-2010 06:53 AM ET (US)         The Explorer on my 1993 21 Walkaround was out of fluid. According to Richie Tech Support the Explorer is not refillable, you have to replace the whole compass capsule. Wrong. I removed it from its housing and checked for obvious cracks. Once I felt that there were no cracks I removed the white nylon plug on the side of the capsule. It's a one use plug, you'll probably break one of the teeth off of it prying it out. It has an O-ring under it that keeps the fluid in the globe. Now get an 8-32 tap and thread the hole, only go in about 1/2 inch. Next go to a HW store and get an 8-32X1/4 or 1/2 inch non-magnetic pan head machine screw. Nylon, brass, or aluminum work. Also get a new #61 O-ring, do not reuse the old one, and either some good odorless mineral spirits or mineral oil. Use a syringe or eyedropper to refill the globe, put the o-ring on the screw and screw it into the fill hole, snug it down but not too much. Let it sit overnight on a cloth that changes color when wet to check for leaks. If you can't get the last little bubble out, try warming the fill fluid before inserting it. Cost, about $3.00 if you already have the tap.

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