wrench Posted November 10, 2010 Report Posted November 10, 2010 My M20J developed a leak from the bottom front of my magnetic compass. Can anyone tell me if there is a replaceable seal in the housing or is it just time for a new compass? Bill
N6784N Posted November 10, 2010 Report Posted November 10, 2010 I just had this same problem and went about it the wrong way. i had the seal replaced and by the time they did that and recalibrated the compass it cost me 250.00. a new compass will cost the same amount so replace replace replace.
scottfromiowa Posted November 10, 2010 Report Posted November 10, 2010 I concur. Replace, replace, replace. I got a nice TSO'd lighted (blue) replacement for under $200.
Piloto Posted November 10, 2010 Report Posted November 10, 2010 For $50 more you can get a Vertical Card Compass with no leaks problems. I have one and love it. Easy to read even under heavy turbulence. Easier to calibrate than the wet ones. Strongly recommend it. José
Carl S Posted November 10, 2010 Report Posted November 10, 2010 Plus one on replacing with a vertical card compass. I did that a few months ago. The VCC does hang in a slightly different location than the old compass but overall the change is well worth it. <e> See if your mechanic will let you remove and replace (under supervision). It is an easy job, can save you a few dollars, and boost your pride of ownership. </e>
wrench Posted November 10, 2010 Author Report Posted November 10, 2010 Thanks for the input guys. Looks like a new flat card compass coming up.
N201MKTurbo Posted November 10, 2010 Report Posted November 10, 2010 You can get new seals and fluid from Aircraft spruce for about $20 bucks. It is not legal for anyone except an instrument shop to replace the seals. Let your conscience be your guide. They are easy to change, just be sure to get all the air out of the compass.
Immelman Posted November 10, 2010 Report Posted November 10, 2010 I'm with N201MKTurbo. Get a kit to fix it. Fix it. The standard airpath compass is ridiculously simple, and that is a good thing.
KLRDMD Posted November 10, 2010 Report Posted November 10, 2010 Quote: N201MKTurbo You can get new seals and fluid from Aircraft spruce for about $20 bucks. It is not legal for anyone except an instrument shop to replace the seals. Let your conscience be your guide. They are easy to change, just be sure to get all the air out of the compass.
Ned Gravel Posted November 11, 2010 Report Posted November 11, 2010 Quote: Piloto For $50 more you can get a Vertical Card Compass with no leaks problems. I have one and love it. Easy to read even under heavy turbulence. Easier to calibrate than the wet ones. Strongly recommend it. José
Piloto Posted November 11, 2010 Report Posted November 11, 2010 Quote: edgargravel Jose: I was thinking about getting one of these, but the folks at two MSC's I know tell me that they are very, very difficult to calibrate. When you say "easy to calibrate" are you refering to the process, or the result?
Barry Posted November 11, 2010 Report Posted November 11, 2010 Jose ... you need to dig the magnet out of your XM antenna and use double sided tape !! (PS - Like the roads idea, I'll have to give it a try!!)
Piloto Posted November 11, 2010 Report Posted November 11, 2010 Quote: Barry Jose ... you need to dig the magnet out of your XM antenna and use double sided tape !! (PS - Like the roads idea, I'll have to give it a try!!)
Piloto Posted November 11, 2010 Report Posted November 11, 2010 I found the magnet removal procedure at http://www.csobeech.com/files/GarminGXM30MagnetRemoval.pdf Looks tricky but feasible. José
Barry Posted November 11, 2010 Report Posted November 11, 2010 Cool. I just pryed mine out with my pocket knife ... after taking off the sticker on the bottom. My antenna is much smaller than the one in that article. It is square, ~1.25 x 1.5 and 3/8" thick. Made of plastic and the magnet was only covered by a sticker on the bottom of the antenna. Mine was made by Nanovision.
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