News:

Due to a technical issue, some recently uploaded pictures have been lost. We are investigating why this happened but the issue has been resolved so that future uploads should be safe.  You can also Modify your post (MORE...) and re-upload the pictures in your post.

Main Menu

Compass fluid

Started by TonyZappone #2624, February 01, 2010, 07:08:08 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

TonyZappone #2624

I have period compasses in my 47 and 58 Cadillacs.  Both work nicely, but both are low on fluid; to the point where I don't think they are going to work much longer.   Does anyone know what this liquid is?  Can liquid be added to these units?
Tony Zappone, #2624
1936 Pierce-Arrow conv sed
1947 Cadillac Conv cpe
1958 Cadillac conv
2016 Cadillac CT6 Platinum
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle

mgrab

Could be glycerine...(think modern applications may use silicone)....believe that is what is used in gauges to prevent "fluttering".  If its evaporating/leaking....has to be a region to re-fill/top off.  Trick would probably be to add the right amount and not impede proper rotation (don't think they are supposed to be 100% full.
Mike
1941 Cadillac 6267D
1948 Packard Custom Eight Victoria
1956 Oldsmobile 88 Sedan

TonyZappone #2624

I think I can get glycerine at the drug store.  Let's see what some of the other replies have to say. 
Tony Zappone, #2624
1936 Pierce-Arrow conv sed
1947 Cadillac Conv cpe
1958 Cadillac conv
2016 Cadillac CT6 Platinum
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle

Otto Skorzeny

#3
Tony,

Marine supply houses sell compass fluid as do other hobby/outdoor technical supply places.

Don't worry so much about what kind of fluid yours has. You'll be replacing all of it anyway. Real old ones used alcohol but modern car compasses use oil. Once you open your compass, it will be obvious whether it's alcohol or oil filled. I'm pretty sure it isn't glycerine. Most use mineral oil or similar light oil.

Oil filled ones became the norm after WWII.

Here is one such supplier. I'd call them and talk about the compasses you have. They seem like they could give you some pointers.

http://www.discountweather.com/compassoil.html

They also repair compasses.

http://www.discountweather.com/compassrepair.html

Here's a supplier that sells aircraft repair stuff. Their compass fluid is much less expensive than West Marine or that other place I posted. $1.25 per 1/2pint $4.65 qt

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/repairkit1.php

West Marine:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearchView?catalogId=10001&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&keyword=compass+fluid&Ntt=compass+fluid&N=377+710&y=8&x=31&storeId=10001&Ntk=Primary+Search&ddkey=SiteSearch
fward

Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for YOURSELF

HUGE VENDOR LIST CLICK HERE

TonyZappone #2624

Otto:  Thanks for the comprehensive feedback on suppliers, etc.  I was feeling really good about seeing how (or if ) I could get one of the compasses apart, and fill them with oil.  Oil seems to be what is being sold today and what is present in contemporaty compasses.   Then, I got thinking.  If in fact these compasses that I have have lost fluid to evaporation, then the liquid cannot be oil.  I think I have to do further research to determine if in fact these compasses have the alcohol-water mixture, and then the source for that mixture.  Any further thoughts would be appreciated. 
Tony Zappone, #2624
1936 Pierce-Arrow conv sed
1947 Cadillac Conv cpe
1958 Cadillac conv
2016 Cadillac CT6 Platinum
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle

Otto Skorzeny

If it were me, I 'd call that specialty instrument place I listed above and talk to them about it. They list car compasses on their site and do repairs of expensive antique and nautical compasses as well as modern compasses.

I'd bet they'll know exactly what kind of compasses you have and whether or not alcohol types will work with oil. If it has to be alcohol, I'm sure they know what the proper mixture is.

Give them a ring and see what they say. Post back and let us know what happens. Now I'm curious.
fward

Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for YOURSELF

HUGE VENDOR LIST CLICK HERE

mgrab

Check this out....you may have some choices...perhaps all of the above.....viscosity of the fluid will be key though to get proper rotation....
Mike

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen01/gen01791.htm

1941 Cadillac 6267D
1948 Packard Custom Eight Victoria
1956 Oldsmobile 88 Sedan