10741 – Lycoming Engines IO-540-K1A5 300 HP Six Cylinder Piston Aircraft Engine
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 is a genuine OEM, six-cylinder, direct-drive, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected aircraft engine, renowned for its raw power, durability, and uncompromising reliability. Producing a continuous 300 horsepower, this engine is the legendary powerplant for the Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six, providing the aircraft with its impressive load-hauling capability. The IO-540-K1A5 is a testament to Lycoming's legacy of building robust, air-cooled engines that have become the standard for high-performance single-engine aircraft around the world.
Key Features
- High-Power Output: Delivers a continuous 300 horsepower at 2700 RPM, providing exceptional takeoff and climb performance, even at high gross weights.
- Direct-Drive System: The propeller is connected directly to the crankshaft, providing a simple, robust, and highly reliable system for power transmission without the weight and complexity of a reduction gearbox.
- Horizontally Opposed Design: The six-cylinder "boxer" configuration provides excellent power-to-weight ratio and inherent dynamic smoothness, reducing vibration to the airframe.
- Continuous-Flow Fuel Injection: Equipped with a Bendix RSA-5AD1 fuel injection system, which provides a continuous flow of fuel to each cylinder. This system offers superior fuel distribution, improved efficiency, and freedom from carburetor ice compared to carbureted engines.
- Proven Durability: The 540 platform is one of the most mature and reliable piston engine designs in aviation history, with a standard Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of 2,000 hours, reflecting its robust construction and conservative power rating.
Technical Specifications
- Engine Model: IO-540-K1A5
- Manufacturer: Lycoming Engines
- Engine Type: Fuel-Injected, Horizontally Opposed, Air-Cooled, Direct-Drive
- Cylinder Count: 6
- Displacement: 541.5 cubic inches (8.87 Liters)
- Horsepower Rating: 300 HP @ 2700 RPM
- Compression Ratio: 8.50:1
- Fuel System: Bendix RSA-5AD1 Continuous-Flow Fuel Injection
- Ignition System: Dual Magneto Ignition (Slick or Bendix)
- Approximate Dry Weight: 438 lbs
- Time Between Overhaul (TBO): 2,000 hours
- Certification: FAA Type Certificate E-295
Aircraft Compatibility
The Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 is the specified, original factory engine for the Piper Cherokee Six 300, an aircraft prized for its utility and payload capacity.
- Primary Aircraft Model:
- Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six 300
Applications
The IO-540-K1A5 is the heart of this high-performance utility aircraft:
- Engine Replacement: The only certified OEM engine for a direct replacement on the Piper PA-32-300.
- Engine Overhaul Core: Serves as the core for an engine overhaul, where it is rebuilt to factory new limits, or as a candidate for a factory remanufactured or new engine exchange.
- Heavy-Hauling Operations: Its high, continuous power rating makes it ideal for aircraft that are consistently operated at or near maximum gross weight.
Why Choose the Lycoming IO-540-K1A5?
For owners and operators of a Piper Cherokee Six 300, the IO-540-K1A5 is the certified heart of the aircraft. Choosing a genuine Lycoming factory engine (new or remanufactured) or a quality overhaul based on a Lycoming core guarantees that the powerplant meets the stringent safety and performance standards set by both the FAA and the original manufacturer. Its simple, robust design ensures a long service life and predictable maintenance costs, making it a reliable and powerful workhorse that has earned its reputation over millions of flight hours.
Order Your Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 Engine Now
Power your aircraft with the legendary performance and reliability of a genuine Lycoming engine. Visit Airparts.aero to inquire about new, remanufactured, or overhauled IO-540-K1A5 engines today.
The Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 nomenclature provides a direct description of its features. "I" stands for Fuel Injected. "O" stands for its horizontally Opposed cylinder configuration. "540" represents its total displacement in cubic inches. This engine's parallel-valve cylinder design, combined with its relatively low compression ratio of 8.50:1, makes it a very unstressed engine for its power output. This conservative design is a key factor in its renowned reliability and ability to consistently make its 2,000-hour TBO, making it a favorite among private owners and commercial operators who demand dependable performance.
Note: This is a flight-critical aircraft engine. Installation, including all fluid, electrical, and control connections, must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in strict accordance with the current Piper and Lycoming maintenance manuals. Proper engine break-in procedures must be followed after installation to ensure the health and longevity of the engine.

