leaking magnetic compass

[wrench]

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]

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]

I concur.  Replace, replace, replace.  I got a nice TSO'd lighted (blue) replacement for under $200.

[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 

[Carl S]

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]

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like a new flat card compass coming up.

[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.

[Immelman]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I found the magnet removal procedure at http://www.csobeech.com/files/GarminGXM30MagnetRemoval.pdf Looks tricky but feasible.

José

 

[Barry]

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.