Compass leaking

[Guitarmaster]

Hey guys... I came out to find the compass about half full and leaking.

What are your recommendations for a new compass. I am thinking vertical card.

I have to have it installed by sept 30 for my first Angel Flight mission on the first.

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[N201MKTurbo]

You can do all that or have your hanger fairies put in a new diaphragm for $18.00

 

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/repairkit.php

[ryoder]

I bought a new Airpath because I was worried about compass error due to magnetized frame.

[OR75]

easy to use the kit and refill the compass with fluid. Only issue is to get rid of the bubbles that get trapped. The trick is to immerse the whole compass in fluid (in a small non leaking plastic bag for example) and move it till all the bubbles get out.

[The-sky-captain]

I had the same issue and replaced it with a SIRS. Love it, great product.

[Guitarmaster]

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/aircraft/flight-instruments/magnetic-compasses/sirs-nv2c.html

Does anybody have experience with these?

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[Guitarmaster]

Thanks guys!

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[Jerry 5TJ]

easy to use the kit and refill the compass with fluid. Only issue is to get rid of the bubbles that get trapped. The trick is to immerse the whole compass in fluid (in a small non leaking plastic bag for example) and move it till all the bubbles get out.

And when you do the repair carefully clean the glass and compass rose. The grubby yellow numbers will become crisp white again.

[kerry]

Just did 2 compass OH's.  Worked out fine.  Got OH kits from aircraft spruce.  I submersed them in mineral spirits in a good size can.  They worked out fine.  No bubbles and no leaks.

[Bartman]

You can do all that or have your hanger fairies put in a new diaphragm for $18.00

 

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/repairkit.php

Mine started leaking too. So I need to order part # 10-08000 for my J ?

[N201MKTurbo]

That's it

[Bartman]

Thanks. I'll order one tomorrow.

[N201MKTurbo]

Here is how you do it.

After you have replaced the diaphragm and cleaned the glass and compass wheel. Remove the plug on top, carefully pour in the fluid until full. Put your index finger over the hole. Turn the compass upside down and gently shake the bubbles out from under the compass wheel. Look through the glass and make sure all the bubbles are consolidated into one bubble. Turn the compass right side up and work the bubble to the hole. Use a coffee stirrer or cocktail straw with your finger over the end to add a couple of drops to the fill port so there is a meniscus of fluid above the port. Carefully place the plug into the fluid and screw it in.

Wipe it off, let it dry and reinstall into the plane.

[Bartman]

Thanks for the details !

[M20F-1968]

I have 2 compasses I will not be using after the rebuild of my plane.  One is from my F and the other is from an Ovation and was installed into the glare shield.  Both are in excellent condition.  I was going to list them on E-bay but if you wish to make me an offer that could work as well.  My e-mail is johnabreda@yahoo.com and my cell is (617) 877-0025.

 

Thanks,

John Breda

[Dave Piehler]

Spruce and others have a saddle that fits over the opening at the top of the compass to allow you to overfill it and remove bubbles, which would seem to me to be less messy than dunking the entire unit in a kerosene-filled baggie.  It's called a "Compass Filling Aid", P/N 12-17604.

[Guitarmaster]

I just finished mine. Thanks for the recommendation to rebuild! Saved me $200+! The glass with really yellow but all nice and crystal clear now.

[cliffy]

Resealing a wet compass has been one item that the FAA removed specifically from the abilities of A&Ps to do in the field (as we did for decades)and reserved for instrument shops only. I'm willing to bet that the number of compass repairs by instrument shops never went up after the FAA got involved as it is such a simple job (it actually falls as a maintenance function and should be signed off) and I guess they NEVER fail anymore. I doubt 1 in 20 ever sees an entry in a log book. :-)

It makes for interesting reading when one goes to 43.13-1B Sec. 3 Chap 12-37 and reads about wet compasses. Anytime one is removed and re-installed a compass swing is required. Passing through a sever electrical storm (?), a hard landing, after any change to the electrical system, after being parked on one heading for over a year all require a compass swing. Interesting, very interesting.

[N201MKTurbo]

I once had an IA tell me how picky the FAA was about having a correction card. He said just make up some numbers to put on it but make sure it is in there.

[Bartman]

That was easy !