Fox Engines
 

I posted this in the Beginner forum, but this looks to be a better place to get answers.

I don't see a whole of talk concerning Fox engines. I thought they had gone under, but was happy to see they are still around. I have a NIB Fox. 74 ABC engine. I am missing the bolts that connect the muffler. I found Fox on the Web, gave them a call, and my muffler bolts are on the way. I guess with that kind of customer attention, I am suprised I don't hear more about them. Anyone else have experience with Fox or their engines? I am also looking for any experience or knowledge concerning my Fox .74 2 sroke.

Thanks,
BH

RE: Fox Engines
 

I have a couple Fox engines and they really run good. A .40 bushing and a 45bb.They were among the first engines I could get to start just by backflipping the spinner. They are light and powerful.

I also have a nib .50bb and .19bb that I have yet to finish models for but I am looking forward to good performance from them too.

RE: Fox Engines
 

What are Fox engines going for now? With the dollar collapsing perhaps they now cost less than others?

RE: Fox Engines
 

Big Hog,

I'm a fan of Fox engines although the only one I have flying is a .50 BB. Had it a long time, still going strong. I don't have a .74 but have run a lot of the Eagle 4 .60's. Still have one in the box. My experience with them is that they can swing a big prop. Don't let the RPM with various props fool you. If you want speed, put on more pitch. :)

As to popularity; I always thought the QC wasn't very good on the twin needle carbs. Rather than file on the low speed needles like Duke Fox outlined in the poop sheets, I bought a handful of low speed needles (they were dirt cheap) and would swap them into a carb until I found one that gave good idle and midrange. I suppose that the dimensional tolerances were pretty loose. :D It didn't bother me to have to futz around with them but I always liked to play with engines. Some folks don't like to have that dimension added to their modeling experience, so Fox got a bad rep in the RC world. Also, there's a lot of bad info about Foxes floating around.

Cheers,

CR

RE: Fox Engines
 

Here is the archived version of the old Fliteline Solutions web site:

http://web.archive.org/web/200502062...solutions.com/

This site went down a while back, but it had (has) some useful Fox info. Some of the images might be missing; the archive doesn't always save all of them.

I only own two Foxes, a .15X and an old .19. Both of them seem strong compared to other similar cross-flow, sport engines I have. I think most of Fox's mufflers were more like exhaust diverters, so your .74 will probably be pretty loud.

David

RE: Fox Engines
 

Thanks for all the feedback. Mine is the Fox Eagle .74 RC ABC. I am thinking about mounting it on the a big stik 60 kit, that is about 60% complete. She has never been fired up, so I will have to do a proper break in. I still have the manual, so I will follow the break in proceedures.

RE: Fox Engines
 

The Fox .74 is a strong engine. It will be a great combo for the Big Stick 60. I use a 13 x 6 prop, mine is the ringed version. They take a long time to break in, but reward you with a great engine. I hope you enjoy yours...

turbo

RE: Fox Engines
 

Here is a couple of pictures of the engine. In the first picture you can see where the needle valve has turned to a rust color. Is there anyway to clean that up, or is just normal? Like I stated previously, this engine is brand new never run. I purchased it new from a LHS, years ago. The LHS unfortunately, no longer exists. Just for size comparison, the next photo is the Fox .74 next to a Saito FA-100. She is a big and heavy engine. She is actually heavier then my ST .90s.

BH

RE: Fox Engines
 

Rust color is about the standard color for Fox needles after a few years. Either from rust or castor varnish. There may have been a coating of castor from their factory run up. If so soak it in some fuel to remove it.

The finish is nicer than on any of my Fox's. Perhaps they have refined the castings since Duke passed away.

RE: Fox Engines
 

I will try soaking it in fuel tonight. Thanks!

RE: Fox Engines
 

that is a 74 ABC engine. if it is an earlier model, they had a tendency to run hot. i think they discontinued the 74 ABC due to that problem. i cured mine by changing the head button to a new style which i had modified to lower the compression a bit. excellent running engine for me anyways but i have not ever had a fox i couldnt get to run very well.

RE: Fox Engines
 

BH, you might want to check the insides of that .74, the last time I sealed an engine up like that, an Irvine .46, the bearing cages disentegrated from rust. I have never sealed another up that way. I now used Corrosion X and leave them unsealed. Where do you fly up that way, I ride my Harley up route #1 that way and could drop by.

RE: Fox Engines
 

i got a fox 45 bb that has run great for years never used a drop of castor shows no signs of wear wouldnt trade it for anything but i am having trouble getting a 60 to run have heard lots on button head and shims.what is the button head??? would using fai fuel work in this engine???

RE: Fox Engines
 

BH, that engine can't too old, it has the newest EZJust carb, just set the airbleed screw about halfway across the inlet hole, find the peak on the HS needle and you're good to go. The carb is a metered carb with an airbleed trim to compensate changes in fuel, props, weather etc.

RE: Fox Engines
 

I run both the 74 and 60 ring on 0% nitro fuel. They run well on no nitro. Try 0 or 5% nitro before you do anything else. Besides it less expensive fuel!

RE: Fox Engines
 

Badge, you got that right, more people have soured them selves on MDS, Fox, Irvine and other good brands trying to force high nitro down their throats than any other issue has.