Retired from newspapers and television, currently sailing Thelonious II, a 1984 Ericson 381.
[How to remove a bubble in compass fluid is here ]
Ritchie Compass Diaphragm Replacement
Obtain a new diaphragm and additional fluid, if needed, from Ritchie in Massachusetts. I am told that if you have an existing bubble, chances are good the problem is an aging diaphragm, and of course any diaphragm can be punctured by an act of clumsiness-- which happened to somebody I know.
Remove and save existing fluid, if clear. The diaphragm can be felt under the compass body, where it expands and contracts according to fluid temperature, and where you can accidentally stick a screwdriver into it if you are in such an all-fired hurry as the fellow I know. That’s one way to empty a compass fast.
With fluid out, remove the screws on the plastic dome and set the dome aside.
Remove the compass card, which balances on a bridge captured by slots in the case. Take care with the delicate balance device attached beneath it, which keeps the card level. Remove the screws of the lower internal assembly (seen on the cutting board in the picture), which holds the diaphragm (seen resting on compass) in place.
Remove and replace the rubber diaphragm and reassemble.
.
Locate the fill hole on the side of the compass and use a turkey baster to insert fluid until full.
Eliminate the bubble by manipulation of the compass body to burp it, topping off with baster. This was easy in my case at ambient 60F. If the weather is hot, put the fluid in the refrigerator first.
Ritchie Compass Diaphragm Replacement
Obtain a new diaphragm and additional fluid, if needed, from Ritchie in Massachusetts. I am told that if you have an existing bubble, chances are good the problem is an aging diaphragm, and of course any diaphragm can be punctured by an act of clumsiness-- which happened to somebody I know.
Remove and save existing fluid, if clear. The diaphragm can be felt under the compass body, where it expands and contracts according to fluid temperature, and where you can accidentally stick a screwdriver into it if you are in such an all-fired hurry as the fellow I know. That’s one way to empty a compass fast.
With fluid out, remove the screws on the plastic dome and set the dome aside.
Remove the compass card, which balances on a bridge captured by slots in the case. Take care with the delicate balance device attached beneath it, which keeps the card level. Remove the screws of the lower internal assembly (seen on the cutting board in the picture), which holds the diaphragm (seen resting on compass) in place.
Remove and replace the rubber diaphragm and reassemble.
.
Locate the fill hole on the side of the compass and use a turkey baster to insert fluid until full.
Eliminate the bubble by manipulation of the compass body to burp it, topping off with baster. This was easy in my case at ambient 60F. If the weather is hot, put the fluid in the refrigerator first.