RE: Cox Aluminum Needle
Hello Matt, I have researched the L&M Cox Company for many years now and have also spoke to many collectors across the Country. Within My research I have learned thatCox had made changes to reduce Production costsincluding Changing the fine thread brass needle valves to a Coarse thread Aluminum needle valve. Its hard to tell from the photo if this wasused on the 020 SkycopterBut I am sure it Is possible. Any of the Cox carsI have in My collection that came with the Aluminum needle valves are Immediately changed to a Brass valve except for the onesI do not run. I feel that it was a bad Idea for coxas I have tested the 049 Car engines with Standard Cox fuel and may get 10 or 20 runs out of the engine before the Aluminum needle valve fails or physically breaks in half.I think the airplane engines run Considerably Cooler than the Car Engines which would probably prolong the life of a soft aluminum needle valve. Bill