Compass repair

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David Hunter
Posts: 57
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:38 pm

Compass repair

Post by David Hunter » Wed Oct 13, 2021 7:09 pm

I have a panel mount Airpath compass which has got very brown staining of the markings making it difficult to read in certain light conditions. Can anyone point me to someone who could refresh this ? I thought it might be the fluid but it is totally clear. Thanks for any advice.
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Mark A
Posts: 137
Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:48 am
Location: Near to Enstone

Re: Compass repair

Post by Mark A » Thu Oct 14, 2021 11:46 pm

I've dismantled and repaired one that had a swollen diaphragm. Fairly straightforward and you can get the fluid and gaskets etc from LAS.

It should then be possible to remove and clean the compass markings. A lile care is needed to avoid an air bubble when reassembling.
Mark Albery
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David Hunter
Posts: 57
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:38 pm

Re: Compass repair

Post by David Hunter » Fri Oct 15, 2021 1:46 pm

Thanks. I was concerned that the markings need repainting and not sure what paint would tolerate being immersed in the fluid.
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Nick Allen
Posts: 456
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:00 am
Location: Oxford
Contact:

Re: Compass repair

Post by Nick Allen » Fri Oct 15, 2021 2:22 pm

Compass fluid: I went to scrounge some from the local maintenance operation (because buying a bottle to do a single compass seemed excessive). The ever-helpful boss/mechanic handed me a large bottle labelled "Compass Fluid", looked me in the eye, and said "It's Jet A1, but don't tell anyone." And thus has our compass happily bobbed ever since...

David Hunter
Posts: 57
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:38 pm

Re: Compass repair

Post by David Hunter » Fri Oct 15, 2021 6:27 pm

I in fact found that it was the glass that had a heavy brown staining on the inside. Cleaned up and re-filled it looks like new. Thanks.

Dave Reid
Posts: 51
Joined: Sat Sep 12, 2009 2:25 am

Re: Compass repair

Post by Dave Reid » Thu Oct 21, 2021 6:40 am

To refurbish the markings, use one of these: https://www.graff-city.com/markers-c79/ ... rker-p2694
Just follow the instructions and you won't go wrong.
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David Hunter
Posts: 57
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:38 pm

Re: Compass repair

Post by David Hunter » Thu Oct 21, 2021 1:23 pm

Thanks for the info but I cannot connect to that address.
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Ian Melville
Posts: 1000
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:21 pm

Re: Compass repair

Post by Ian Melville » Thu Oct 21, 2021 11:36 pm

You need to copy the link and past it into a new window
Ian Melville
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Leesr
Posts: 46
Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:04 pm

Re: Compass repair

Post by Leesr » Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm

I use Johnson baby oil for my compass fluid.
Rob Lees
015666

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