Compass bubble, refill?

SCORPIO

Well-Known Member
Apr 7, 2008
2,742
Delaware
Boat Info
1989 300 DA
Engines
Twin 5.7 Merc Alpha I
I have a Ritchie compass on my 89 300 Sundancer that has developed a bubble over the last several years. It got a bit larger this last year, about the size of a quarter now. Is it better to refill the compass or just pull it out and install an new one? I've seen videos of people refilling them but don't you have to fix the leak that caused the loss of fluid in the first place? Funny thing is, I don't see any dampness on the compass or under it. Is the fluid volatile enough to evaporate and leave no residue?
 
I have a Ritchie compass on my 89 300 Sundancer that has developed a bubble over the last several years. It got a bit larger this last year, about the size of a quarter now. Is it better to refill the compass or just pull it out and install an new one? I've seen videos of people refilling them but don't you have to fix the leak that caused the loss of fluid in the first place? Funny thing is, I don't see any dampness on the compass or under it. Is the fluid volatile enough to evaporate and leave no residue?

Scorpio, similar issue with my Ritchie compass on my 2001 260DA. I think mine was original equipment. I was told (and then called Ritchie to confirm) that they would refill and send back at a reduced cost. Turns out for me it was only about $30 less than buying a new one so I'm going that way.
 
I bought a new one for the same reason. I note that the new one is NOT refilable. I also got a cover for it. Apparently when left in direct sunlight in the summer the unit gets too hot, fluid expands and the unit leaks.
 
It's always a good idea to cover your dash with a Sunbrella cover or white towel when the boat is not being used. It will help keep the dash panels and gauges from degrading due to UV.
 
I bought a new one for the same reason. I note that the new one is NOT refilable. I also got a cover for it. Apparently when left in direct sunlight in the summer the unit gets too hot, fluid expands and the unit leaks.

Was yours original equipment? I'm trying to figure out if the one in my 2001 260DA has electric running to it or not (without having to pull the snow off the wrapp and crawl through the zipper door the size of a rabbit hole!).
 
Mine was original from 1989. It had wires running to it from the dash light switch. I just used heat shrink crimp connectors to install the new one to the old wiring.
 
Mine yellowed so I looked into repair or replacement and the price difference was so close I just bought a new one. The screw holes lined up and everything !
 
Mine was original from 1989. It had wires running to it from the dash light switch. I just used heat shrink crimp connectors to install the new one to the old wiring.

I'm betting mine is the same. Thank you. Great info!
 

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