Compass oil

[Pighunter]

I noticed that my compass oil on my 1999 228 is very low, any idea how to add oil to it?

 

[Parthery]

I noticed that my compass oil on my 1999 228 is very low, any idea how to add oil to it?

You can reach out to Ritchie and they will connect you with a nearby service center. For about $100 they will completely recondition it, including the lens.

That said, I had mine out and ready to ship when I came across a brand new one on eBay for a few bucks more. I did have to buy a $16 adapter to fit the hole, but for $170 or so I’m in a brand new one.

 

[grady33]

Subscribed. I went to remove the compass to try and replace the light (never did figure that out) but in doing so removed all the screws that attach to boat but some were screws that held
Compas together and I inadvertently drained a little of the oil. Still works fine though but I need to get the light fixed!

 

[seasick]

It's probably not mineral oil but rather clear mineral spirits.

 

[Lt.Mike]

Subscribed. I went to remove the compass to try and replace the light (never did figure that out) but in doing so removed all the screws that attach to boat but some were screws that held
Compas together and I inadvertently drained a little of the oil. Still works fine though but I need to get the light fixed!

Tried to repair the light in mine, didn’t go so well.

 

[glacierbaze]

Mineral oil, same as baby oil, not mineral spirits.

 

[seasick]

No, mineral spirits not oil
I recently looked this up since one of my compasses has a bubble. I will see if I can find the reference. I was surprised since I always assumed it was oil.

I could be wrong and if so, may admit it!

 

[seasick]

There is so much confusing information that I am not sure what is appropriate. Some folks say that Richie used mineral spirits before 2001 but it had a higher flash point. Richie recommends their Isopar product but 1; it is expensive and 2; there seems to be two types of Isopar and one must not be substituted for the other.
Then again, there are folks who used mineral oil but some said that the oil they used made the compass respond too slowly.

OK, I looked up Richie's FAQs:
What type of fluid is in my Ritchie Magnetic Compass?
Until 2001, all Ritchie compasses (see exception) were filled with Odorless Mineral Spirits (100% Paraffin based). Ritchie now uses a fluid called Isopar L that has similar properties but some added benefits over Odorless Mineral Spirits.
Exception: Some old style Flat Top Compasses used a mix of denatured alcohol and water. This process was stopped in the 1960s. If you have a Flat Top Compass, it is recommended that you test the fluid to see if it is Odorless Mineral Spirits or an alcohol/water mix.

So it seems that the old and new compasses don't use oil..

 

[blindmullet]

Mine has a very slow leak. I bought the overpriced Ritchie fluid from West Marine. It's about a 10min job. I used a small plastic syringe to fill.

 

[Pighunter]

So I found a full bottle of Ritchie fluid that the previous owner must have bought and never used. I filled the compass and turned upright, within 5 minutes there were two wet spots. So I called RITCHIE and I can replace it for $225 or send it to them and for $117 they will rebuild, I just got back from the post office I'll let you know when I get it back.

 

[seasick]

Curious, did the bottle say what was in it?
Let us know how the rebuild goes.

 

[Pighunter]

Curious, did the bottle say what was in it?
Let us know how the rebuild goes.

 

[seasick]

That's what the web site said, Isopar L
My compass is circa 2000. I am going to try the clear mineral spirits to top off the fluid over the winter layup

 

[Pighunter]

Compass arrived today, best $117 I ever spent. It looks great