Compass went dry

[dicor]

I've got a 13 year old flush mounted compass, Ritchie F-83. All the fluid has leaked out. I was contemplating refilling and repairing it until I found them on EBAY new for around $100.
I would think that it should have lasted longer than 13 years, am I wrong? Is there a better built compass aout there in the same $100 price range.

 

[Lazy Daze]

It could fail after a year, or it could last 25 years. Things happen. Ritchie has a rebuild service - try contacting them and seeing what they can do for you. I don't know pricing - it may or may not be worth it.

 

[MonacoMike]

I've got a 13 year old flush mounted compass, Ritchie F-83. All the fluid has leaked out. I was contemplating refilling and repairing it until I found them on EBAY new for around $100.
I would think that it should have lasted longer than 13 years, am I wrong? Is there a better built compass aout there in the same $100 price range.

Which direction were you going when it failed? If you go in circles, like a stopped clock, it will be dead on accurite for a degree or so. You could also use that language in an Ebay add. :smt043

Will Ritche offer a discount for replacement??? Good luck getting it fixed or replaced and don't forget to let us know the outcome. Mm

 

[dicor]

I assume the liquid was used to lubricate the relative bearing.....right? :grin:

 

[Jack F]

I assume the liquid was used to lubricate the relative bearing.....right? :grin:

I thought that was Relative Humidity....never mind that was a different joke.:grin:

 

[AKBASSKING]

My Bridge compass leaked and man you don't want to get that crap on your hands! Wear gloves and then clean up the mess, install a new compass. Better in the long run.

 

[300SR]

I got a direct replacement on ebay. Just have to watch. A can of oil is cheap at west marine.

 

[dicor]

I took the compass apart and found a cracked diaphram. I called Ritchie and they are sending me a rebuild kit which consists of the diaphram, 2 O-ring and one pint of fluid. Tax & shipping total came to around $30. They told me that in the older compasses like mine they used Odorless Mineral Spirits but have switched over to Isopar which has a higher flash point. Food for thought.
FYI: I asked the tech how do I get all the air bubbles out when refilling it? He said they put the fluid in a freezer for 24hr then refill the compass through the side fill port put you thumb over the hole and shake it up real good. The air bubbles will rise up to the fill port then begin to overflow once the fluid warms up and begins to expand. Pretty clever.

 

[Pyrojodge]

I took the compass apart and found a cracked diaphram. I called Ritchie and they are sending me a rebuild kit which consists of the diaphram, 2 O-ring and one pint of fluid. Tax & shipping total came to around $30. They told me that in the older compasses like mine they used Odorless Mineral Spirits but have switched over to Isopar which has a higher flash point. Food for thought.
FYI: I asked the tech how do I get all the air bubbles out when refilling it? He said they put the fluid in a freezer for 24hr then refill the compass through the side fill port put you thumb over the hole and shake it up real good. The air bubbles will rise up to the fill port then begin to overflow once the fluid warms up and begins to expand. Pretty clever.

Good info to know Dicor thanks...

 

[Lazy Daze]

Tax & shipping total came to around $30.

I'd say that's worth it! I thought it would've been more.

 

[dicor]

I'd say that's worth it! I thought it would've been more.

I thought so too. I took it apart, it could be any easier, all you need is a small Phillips. I understand that some of the newer compasses aren't so easy. When you call to order parts they will ask you for your model and serial number, with that they will tell you if you have a repairable unit.

 

[fwebster]

Some of you guys kill me........I can't believe you expect or would even consider asking a manufacturer to warranty or replace a 13 year old compass.

But, Ritchie does have an excellent rebuild service.

My compass is a binnacle mount and gets baked in the sun. The clear dome was sun crazed and the card discolored and I just wanted it to look. Ritchie completely rebuilt it, replaced the internal card, the dome and lighting, refilled it and re-calibrated it for $75..........and eBay isn't always the best answer......the Ritchie rebuild was $665 cheaper than the eBay replacement.

 

[dicor]

Some of you guys kill me........I can't believe you expect or would even consider asking a manufacturer to warranty or replace a 13 year old compass.

I went and reread all the posts and don't see anyone suggesting a warranty replacement?????