I have a Sesstral compass deeply in need of a bit of TLC





any Ideas who services / restores these?

Romona did tell me what oil to use cant remember right now . They know how to charge for thing like that. I wonder how hard it would be for you to refurbish it .Looks like it needs a good clean inside and new oil parkster. While your at it bead blast the pedestal and a two pack white and polish the brass

Mobil make a an oil ideally suited to compass damping duties, it is called Isopar L. If you can't find that product anywhere then refined purified kerosine is the next best thing, glycerine can also be used but the previous two are a better option. Don't use alcohol as it contains water and will surely damage your unit.

It really depends on what is in it now. Some products don't mix well and it would be good to start with clean insides.

I use Propylene Glycol. It has to be clear and have the correct damping.

I would advise against Propylene Glycol as it is hygrscopic and absorbs water.

Regardless of what is in your compass at this time, it can be washed and flushed out and replaced with the liquid of your choice.

Whatever that liquid you choose, make sure it has been de-gassed, otherwise you will have a bubble again at the top of your bowl.

You can de-gas if you have access to a vacuum chamber or you can gently heat the liquid to drive out extraneous gasses. Once de-gassed do not agitate for fear of re-introducing gasses.

For obvious reasons if using a flammable substance like eg. kerosine, heat it outside and not in the house on the wifes cooktop.

I remember reading to check and see if the new fluid mixes with the old before re-filling because some fluids are alcohol based and some are oil based. But I have no actual experience.

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LooseChange said..
I would advise against Propylene Glycol as it is hygrscopic and absorbs water.

Regardless of what is in your compass at this time, it can be washed and flushed out and replaced with the liquid of your choice.

Whatever that liquid you choose, make sure it has been de-gassed, otherwise you will have a bubble again at the top of your bowl.

You can de-gas if you have access to a vacuum chamber or you can gently heat the liquid to drive out extraneous gasses. Once de-gassed do not agitate for fear of re-introducing gasses.

For obvious reasons if using a flammable substance like eg. kerosine, heat it outside and not in the house on the wifes cooktop.

Liquid of your choice!!! Yer not askin' me to pour me rum into the compass are yer???

It lubricates me orright so i'm sure it will lubricate the Jewel in the Compass, but that kerosine, good in lanterns and stoves but that is about all. It's abrasive you know.

Good tip on the de-gas L.C.

That compass looks like it has Tassy apple cider in it or bundy rum
It looks like its been in the Yarra river here in Melbourne looks pristine enough for that

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cisco said..


but that kerosine, good in lanterns and stoves but that is about all. It's abrasive you know.

Good tip on the de-gas L.C.

Yes, I know, but in this case we are not using it as a lubricant, merely as a damping fluid, a purpose it does very nicely.

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LooseChange said..

cisco said..


but that kerosine, good in lanterns and stoves but that is about all. It's abrasive you know.

Good tip on the de-gas L.C.

Yes, I know, but in this case we are not using it as a lubricant, merely as a damping fluid, a purpose it does very nicely.

You don't think it will affect the compass card bearing, jewel or otherwise.

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cisco said..


You don't think it will affect the compass card bearing, jewel or otherwise.

It can't be guaranteed entirely without knowing other variables in the compass's contruction eg. seal materials or if there are any painted bits that could react adversely, generally speaking kerosine is a fairly benign product.
The Mobil product that I referred to in my earlier post, "Isopar L" is a synthetic form of kerosine.

Sounds like a job for someone who has done this before with success!

www.howardinstruments.com.au/
Howard instruments are a good company