Yes it is a bad thing to force it to turn - for any engine.

Personally I turn the airplane/engine with exhaust and venturi pointing downwards until the fuel runs out.

It is common practice to replace the fox needle valve assembly with a super tigre-like assembly.

This weekend I tried to start a fox 35 with the factory needle assembly. It was no-go until I stuck in a ST-51 needle and spray bar.

-Chris

Thanks,

This is the 60th anniversary fox .35 stunt.

I did just that...changed to an st needle valve. Haven't tried starting it since. I'll let you all know how it goes.
I hear the PA needle valve is a excellent replacement for the fox also. I have ordered a couple, so I'll see how that goes also.

-Danny

Hi Danny,

The PA NVA will be a bit better than the ST because it is turned down to the stock Fox size and the locking collett has an insert to seal from leaks.  This also means that finger tight will keep the needle setting instead of having to use a wrench or pliers like on the ST needles.

Foxes can be cantankerous when inverted!  Never force the engine over when it is hydro locked (flooded).  A bent con rod is usually the result.  Over chocking the engine is the most common fault in the hard starting.  Less prime and a hot plug/battery is a good start.  I always turned my inverted engines over to crank but you have to be careful once the engine is started and you are turning it back over.

Big Bear

hi Chris,

Several years ago I found out that starting my Fox .35 in my Argus was real easy setting on the ground and hitting it with the electric starter.  No prime, nothing, just hook up the battery and hit the spinner with the starter.  it took a very short amount of turning to get it started. 

Bill

What I do on inverted Foxes is choke with my finger and pull up on compression to tdc. Then remove my finger to suck the charge into the engine. Do this maybe twice to three times and it should be ready to start. If done right inverted Foxes will start easier than upright.