1QwkSport2.5r

There are many vintage engines that run just fine. Just because something is vintage (older than 25years in my book) doesn't mean it should be finicky. The technology available when these engines were designed was very good for the most part. I have acquired several used engines over the last few years, some in rougher shape than others. The Fox engines seem to have given me the most trouble and those were in much better shape to start with. I'm sure if I had acquired the engines NIB that their problems would be lessened unless there were variables not within my control present.

hsukaria

Yeah, but they are cheap. That is why I bought them.

fujiman

My Feedback: (133)

Not to be over looked are Avistar engs. Clearance Lee gave these engs. 2 tumbles up. I have a .61 and a 2.00 size engs. and they are great little engs.!!!!!!!!!!

hsukaria

Sig used to sell these and now they are down to 1 size (46). I suspect they quit making them too. I believe Brodak was selling CL versions of them at outrageous prices.

KangkeUSA sells the SK and JBA engines, which have been good so far for me. I have an SK90 and a JBA56. The 56 is a real ABC-type also. The newer ASP (Sanye) engines are also good, if still available.

Correction: I just checked Sig Mfg. and they don't sell any glow 2-stroke engines anymore. So, Aviastar is gone (for RC).

Sport_Pilot

Can we ask Fox to put stuff on back order? When they receive enough orders to manufacture then they can manufacture them. Is their a current e-mail they respond to? I am not sure they respond to the one on their website.

Hobbsy

My Feedback: (102)

I have purchased several supposedly problematic engines and SuperTigre carburetors and the ride in the mail truck always cures them.

hsukaria

Hobbsy, most people have the opposite problem!!!

I purchased my old beatup Fox engines just because I knew they would force me to learn more about engines. Now when I have them setup running nicely, it makes me feel like I achieved something.

Hobbsy

My Feedback: (102)

There you go

1QwkSport2.5r

I tried that approach - try to get some Fox engines running right to have a sense of accomplishment. First .40, chucked circlips a half dozen times taking out two P/L sets. Junk. Fox twin - naievity won here. POS engine to begin with, lots of problems not known about until later. Junk. Sold to a guy that thought he could get it to run right. Engine is junk - a "stillborn engine". Fox .50. Weak compression - replaced piston ring. Compression worse. Replaced ring again - slightly thicker. No compression. Determined the liner's hardened surface was compromised. Engine had wrong piston installed. Junk. Replaced P/L with an ABC set from a 10gal used MDS .40. FrankenFox is born - runs but not quite tweaked enough for best performance. New used .50 P/L acquired for diesel usage with a Davis head. Awaiting warmer weather to test new P/L on diesel. Fox .40 ABC and .46 ABC sitting in the drawer. Good conversation pieces. Have a low time Fox .19RC I paid $5 for. Runs okay. Modified crankshaft and Rod, haven't tested mods yet.

I consider Enya and SuperTigre many steps ahead of Fox in terms of overall quality and reliability and even parts support!

vertical grimmace

My Feedback: (1)

It was always said by my old CL buddies that Fox had 3 sizes of P/L. And hopefully you got a matched set with the engine you bought.

That said, I have 4 combat specials. I absolutely love them. The Mk. 4 is my favorite, although I have 3 other Mk VI's. Not sure if Fox paid a little more attention tho the combat engines, but they are one of the best lines they produced, I believe.

fujiman

My Feedback: (133)

back in the 70's i had the .60 hawk rc eng. which i loved. last few years i have bought up several of them and i'm experimenting with one. reshaping combustion chamber, extra head shim and perry carb. and adapter. i want to use the same fuel with it as i do with my os's. we'll see how it goes. haven't had the time to put a flame in it as of yet.
very sorry to hear about Avistar engs. i guess going electric is in all of our futures!!!!!!!!!!

hsukaria

1QwkSport2.5r,
Your story reads like a Greek tragedy. Looks like you got the worst possible engines out there. I always had misgivings about the Twin. That is just for putting in a glass display box on the shelf. The others sound like they were just plain worn out junk. Besides, what can you expect for $5?
I will bench test/run/break-in my 4 Fox engines this Spring. But I presently don't have any planes for them. I hope to install them temporarily on my test plane for evaluation this summer. But for the most part, I will save them for posterity.
My most heavily used engine is a Super Tigre G51, and it is now in break-in after replacing the piston ring on it. Very dependable engine.

1QwkSport2.5r

The .19RC only had a few tanks through it when I got it. I ran a couple small tanks rich when I first tried it out. As long as the wristpin retaining method holds up and doesn't break, I should see a bit of life out of it. The needle needs to get the taper adjusted but it actually runs okay. I don't recall the exact rpm I was getting with it, but it was propped a bit light and was getting around 17k peaked. The engine needs more rich running and heat cycle it a few times. I peaked it to see if it was broke in enough to hold a lean setting and it did sag but not right away and not much.

Hobbsy

My Feedback: (102)

I just scored another .50, I'll share soon as it arrives.

hsukaria

Hobbsy, are you going to convert it to diesel?

Hobbsy

My Feedback: (102)

I'll have to think about that, it'll be posted here if I do, Thanks

1QwkSport2.5r

If you have the opportunity to trade every Fox you own for one of these, do it. This one is my "Eleanor".

Hobbsy

My Feedback: (102)

Not a chance, I love my Fox'

1QwkSport2.5r

You're a better man than I.

Cougar429

My Feedback: (3)

I've had 2 50BB's and keep the first in storage in case I get something the right size, (almost all 4 stroke now and larger scale). I understood why I needed to mod the head button to work with my fleet-standard 15% nitro and the carbs were problematic, (replaced with OS). Not really insurmountable as I love to tinker anyway and can always find an excuse.

However, when we were unsuccessful with every trick in the book to get any 80's vintage K&B to start and run right and my 50 would blow past most other 40 class motors at the field and still runs strong 30 years later don't think I have anything to complain about. I never had a circlip come off, but if that "Eleanor" pic hints towards a tuned pipe app, I suspect what might have pushed them past their limits. Could always look at a set of synthetic buttons to retain the rod.

On an aside, love to see another Eleanor fan. The modern version is so sexy I included one in my first novel.

1QwkSport2.5r

Nah, that picture eludes to what is coming in my mailbox next week. I'd trade a dozen Foxes for one any day of the week. Now if I could get the guy to actually take the Foxes as payment. So far that's a cash or credit proposition only...

I kept telling myself, if I can get my Eleanor, I will have to lay off hobby spending for at least 6 months or more. She's a spendy gal..

Cougar429

My Feedback: (3)

I'm assuming that's the Jett?

1QwkSport2.5r

Yeah it is.

Hobbsy

My Feedback: (102)

Tim, I almost sent you a pipe like that but mine is kinda beat up from being on the bottom of a Kombat 40 with a Fox .46

Cougar429

My Feedback: (3)

Pick one.

First thing I would do is add a hitch to bring my two other loves to the flying field.