This post covers the manufacture, delivery, and installation of the engine for the RV-14A over the period of October 2024 through December 2024. I actually ordered the engine in March of 2022, expecting deliver in the summer of 2023. There’s a long story behind it, but the short version is there was a major backlog of customer orders ahead of price increases, supply chain shortages, and more drama that didn’t involve me. However, it mostly worked out that I had slower progress and the engine arrived approximately the time I needed it.
Details of the Lycoming EXP-119 engine, (which is an actually a IO-390-C), can be found here.
I was in contact with Lycoming during their manufacturing of the engine, and they were open to me visiting the factory in Williamsport, PA and meet Zach who was building it. Really fascinating day and I got some good pictures. The first is some days before I was there. When I did arrive for my tour, the engine had been completed and just finished it’s initial run in their test room.
After it arrived a week later, I prepared as much as I could to preinstall components that would be easier to do so before it is attached to the engine stand. Primarily the fittings for fuel, oil, and sensor lines. I also attached the propeller governor which will control the blade pitch of the propellers during flight.
The day final arrived and the ladies of our house helped me pre-position the engine ahead of installation.
Two lifesavers arrived, George M. and Mike W., who also built an RV-14, to help me with the engine install. It went in relatively easily and took about 15-20 minutes. Along the way, Adam S, and EAA Technical Counselor arrived to view our work and take a look at the project overall.
Some great pics from that day:
In the days following I continued to complete the steps outlined in the Engine Install section. I installed the alternator and belt ahead of the propeller going on in the next section.
