Compass fluid

jkvincent · Post by **jkvincent** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 00:06

...was there ever any problem using Whiskey in a "Whiskey" compass? Is it still used? ...seems like it would be a waste of good whiskey, but I have to put something in it and as much as I have in my house, I'd hardly miss a "Shot", or I could spend some bucks and get a pint of real compass fluid, use what I need and then have it sit on the shelf from here to eternity. ...hey, if you ever had a forced landing, ...that "Shot" might come-in handy. What do you use? Jim

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 00:18

Jim,
You could try Mineral Spirits. The next time I,m going to use DOT 5 brake fluid.
Paul

kevin mielke · Post by **kevin mielke** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 22:38

kerosene is the clearest fluid and does not freeze

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 00:53

You could always get Compass Fluid from WagAero. $8 / 4oz.

nkh

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 10:29

I,ve been using the compass fluid and only get 24mo. or so before they start to leak. The diaphrams get all cracked and grainy. Now these aircraft live their lives outside and the temps get pretty hot in CA, even in the winter. It could be the heat rather than the fluids causing the problems,but I gotta try something.
FYI, when the face and glass get that yellow look, black coffee is as good as anything to clean it. Dont ask me how I know this!
Paul

Ron Babos · Post by **Ron Babos** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 17:53

Compass, what's that? I believe the orignal fluid is denatured kerosene, which means it don't stink.
Ron