Inside the TIO-540
Explore our Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A, one revolution at a time.
Try a browser with hardware acceleration enabled. The operating controls, cycle inspector, and system diagram below still work.
Live, illustrative instruments. Slowing the animation does not slow the operating model. See what is modeled.
Cylinder 1
Power strokeThe burning charge expands and drives the piston toward the crankshaft.
Two crank revolutions, one cam revolution. Opposite pistons reach TDC together, on different strokes. Valve overlap is illustrated.
A connected system
Gold traces fuel; teal traces air; copper traces exhaust. Fuel flows continuously into the intake ports. The wastegate diverts exhaust around the turbine.
Mechanical relationships, openly modeled.
The six pistons use a shared crank angle and constant-length connecting rods. The bore, stroke, compression ratio, cylinder numbering, firing sequence, normal spark timing, and shaft ratios follow the Lycoming references. Pan, section, or separate the engine without breaking that timing.
What is approximate
This original model is not a surveyed CAD assembly. Castings, rod length, ports, accessory locations, valve geometry and lift curves are approximations. The running response, fuel flow, turbo RPM and temperatures are illustrative, uncalibrated models. Normal spark timing is shown; starting ignition retard is not modeled. The prop-drive paddles indicate pitch, not full-size propeller blades.
It is an engine exploration tool, not an operating or maintenance reference. Future calibration can add measured cam profiles, surveyed dimensions, propeller load, airflow, and cylinder-specific heat transfer.
Photos, parts diagrams & manuals
The original meshes were informed by these references. Manufacturer illustrations and photographs remain at their source.