Vintage Double Hose

What kind of oil is used in depth gauges, like US Divers and SOS depth gauges from the 50's and 60's?

I could be wrong but I am thinking I once used glycerin once to refill one of mine back in the day. I got it at a drug store.

In all seriousness, when I was around age 16 or so and about as bright as I am today, I tried refilling a depth gauge with 10W-30. Don't do that, just saying.

Edit: I've not refilled a vintage gauge-the instructions below worked for more modern gauges.

I don't know what is "supposed" to be used, but I've used mineral oil before and it seems to work fine. Drain as much of the old oil out as you possibly can so there won't be a density compatibility issue. Get enough oil so you can fill a container large enough to submerge the gauge/compass and fill while submerged to prevent any bubbles.

First make sure the gauge is supposed to have oil in it. The USD Calypso gauges are not supposed to have oil in them. I know because I filled one with oil and ruined it. I've learned a lot about the Calypso gauges in the process of ruining several trying to get one that works right.

SurfLung wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 07, 2018 10:03 am

First make sure the gauge is supposed to have oil in it. The USD Calypso gauges are not supposed to have oil in them. I know because I filled one with oil and ruined it. I've learned a lot about the Calypso gauges in the process of ruining several trying to get one that works right.

Don't feel too bad... they had a pretty high failure rate within their first year or two anyway.