[C320-list] Steering compass : Problem!

[Orlando.Duran at AveryDennison.com]

If you want a tip, have the compass guy come out to the boat so after he
fills it up (keep in mind that some early Ritchie compass, the seals go
bad and cannot be replaced, you have buy a new one--hull #112 was a
victim!) or replaces it, he can adjust and swing it...
------Original Message------
From: James Harkness
To: Catalina 320 List
ReplyTo: Catalina 320 List
Sent: Aug 30, 2006 1:34 AM
Subject: [C320-list] Steering compass : Problem!

[Sent by: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com ]
On my previous trip to the boat - around a month ago - I was irritated
to find a bubble of air had appeared in our main steering compass but
did nothing about it. Mainly because I had no idea how to tackle this
one and have always thought compasses are not for DIY lists and need a
specialist.
This time when I arrived at the boat (last week)  I was a whole lot more
irritated when I discovered that ALL the damping fluid in the compass
dome had leaked out. Some of had oozed from the rubber seal on the
compass assembly and down the outside of the pedestal and the remainder
found a passage down inside the pedestal over the steering gear and into
its fibreglass cover in the aft cabin where it was pooled. I didn't
discover this bit until after some vigorous sailing it started leaking
out of the cover and onto the bedding - I promise you its not nice stuff
to sleep with!!

I've now got two problems:
1. How do I get the compass off so I can take it to my local compass
repairer ? At the moment I can't find a way into the assembly at all and
I'm very reluctant to employ much force without understanding  how it
all fits together. Couldn't find much in the Owner's Manual
2. What is the liquid inside these instruments and (more importantly) is
it corrosive, toxic or otherwise harmful to people (or my boat's
machinery) ?

Any thought or info gratefully received

Jim Harkness
Simia  #303  (1996)





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