Certified engine and AD compliance

[MarkCFI]

I have a certified O-320-D3G on my RV-6. It was overhauled in 1996 by one of the major and reputable shops. The shop no longer has any records given the time that has passed.

In order to get my operating limits changed I am having to validate that all AD’s published since the overhaul have been complied with.

I got off track thinking that once the engine was installed on an experimental aircraft it became uncertified and was no longer subject to FAA AD’s. That is not the case per the inspector that is working my application.

Questions:

what could occur that would invalidate the certified status? If the carb was replaced by someone other than an A+P what’s the impact?

If the engine is certified in the eyes of the FAA does that mean all work on the engine must be performed by an A+P?

Given I received my LSR-I in order to do the CI does that somehow convey status to work on the certified engine as well?

How would I validate compliance with an AD like 97-15-11 (piston pins) from nearly 30years ago? Pull all the jugs and replace the pins?

I can do this work but would prefer not to as it’s a fair chunk of hours. And can I do this work? Can I sign off on the AD’s ?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[BobTurner]

I think you need to have someone else at the fsdo educate your inspector. This is not uncommon - many of these guys have little experience dealing with EAB.
Once installed on your EAB, you may do whatever you like. Drill out the carb jets to 0.5” diameter? Your choice! But since you do not hold an IA there is no guarantee that the engine still conforms to its type certificate (plus any STCs), so it no longer has its ‘certified’ status.

 

[scsmith]

I think you need to have someone else at the fsdo educate your inspector. This is not uncommon - many of these guys have little experience dealing with EAB.
Once installed on your EAB, you may do whatever you like. Drill out the carb jets to 0.5” diameter? Your choice! But since you do not hold an IA there is no guarantee that the engine still conforms to its type certificate (plus any STCs), so it no longer has its ‘certified’ status.

But depending on the wording of ADs, some may still apply to an experimental engine.