Harley 114 Engine Problems - All Issues and Solutions

The pleasure of having a good functional bike engine cannot be underrated. The engine of the bike determines the performance of the bike.

This article will make you familiar with what the Harley 114 engine is about. It will make you learn more about the issues that come with its invention and the solutions to those problems. In the end, we hope this article will give you a better overview of the Harley 114 engine.

About Harley 114 Engine

A recent addition to the Harley Davidson models was the Harley 114 engine a few years ago. The engine can reach a top speed of 110 miles per hour. It also has a 0-60 mph of 4.5 seconds.

Eight valves in two big cylinders characterize the engine. The valves activate by the push rods. It has a V-twin configuration, combinations made of air and oil-cooled parts. This is why it is called the twin-cooled engine. Below are some of the specifications of the Harley 114 engine:

Harley 114 has some characteristics different from the previous other models. The characteristics include:

• 7% decrease in pressure applied to the clutch lever
• Low incidence of overheating due to change in the position of the exhaust pipes
• Maximization of the airflow into the engine
• Profile down engine
• 75% reduction in the vibration due to changes in the counter balancer
• Reduction in idle speed from 1000rpm to 850rpm
• Reduction in the intake of sound flow
• Lighter valves, better driveline components, and one camshaft reduce the engine's powertrain noise.

Problems and Solutions of Harley 114 Engine

There have been several reported issues associated with the invention of the Harley 114 engine. Below are some of the problems and the possible solutions:

Clutch Problem

There has been a massive report relating to clutch issues of the Harley 114 engine. Clutch issues lead to difficulty engaging the gear, which could lead to an accident while the bike is in motion. An internal fluid leak is the leading cause of clutch issues. Faulty and failing gaskets are the root cause of the internal fluid leak.

Solution: To solve this, ensure that any noticeable fluid leak is taken care of immediately. Then, you can contact the mechanic for proper checks.

Wet Sumping

Wet sumping is one of the major problems of the Harley 114 engine. It is caused by the deposition used in other places other than the oil tank. Most of these places include the crank, gear case, etc. Recurrent deposits cause a gradual build-up which can affect the engine's components. 

Solution: Frequent checks of the cam chain tensioners are the major solution to this problem. First, it helps to know if there is a problem. Also, the supply line, which supplies the engine oil, should be checked daily and monitored with the upgraded pumps. You can also change the head gasket.

Oil Aeration

Oil aeration is the entrapment of air in the bike's lubricating oil. Oil aeration further stresses the bike's components and eventually damages the engine components. It is caused by recurrent wet sumping. 

Solution: Correcting the major source of oil aeration is the solution to this problem. Wet sumping can be corrected by frequent checks and replacement when the supply line is damaged. Also, to prevent the problem, you can change the head gasket and change to S&S cycle oil filters.

Slow Starting of the Engine

Bike engines can take a long time to start. This usually happens when the battery is not fresh and after some cold nights it can't rotate the starter. Also, the engine may start poorly because of numerous electric wiring issues. Also, cold weather may make the oil really heavy. This will bring to hard starting issues.

Solution: To solve this, switch to a different oil with low viscosity. Low viscosity will enable the oil to move freely through the supply line. Also, pay attention to the battery condition.

Low Cam Chain Tensioners

Due to constant usage, the plastic cam chain is prone to wear and tear. The chain begins to disintegrate after some time, and this is one of the problems of the Harley 114 engine. After some time, the disintegration causes the cam chain tensioners not to work well with the power the pinion shafts exert. The frequent exertion causes the engine to experience overheating and other heating issues, leading to engine failure.

Solution: Frequent and routine inspection prevents this problem. When wear and tear are detected, changing the parts is best. However, it is also important to ensure you do not replace worn-out items with fake parts as this may cause further and irreplaceable damage.

Excessive Engine Vibration

At high speeds and intensity, there are reports about Harley 114 engine producing excessive vibration. Engine imbalance, faulty or failing harmonic balancer, and other things are the major causes of excessive engine vibration.

Solution: Rebalancing the engine according to the specifications of the Harley brand is the best solution to the problem. You can also change the faulty harmonic balancer to a new one and tighten the motor mounts if it is loose.

Unreliable Radiator

Sediments in the radiator can lead to a faulty radiator. This problem affects other parts of the engine because the radiator is one of the engine's major components. A failing radiator will affect the engine's cooling system, leading to overheating and other issues. Besides the breakdown of the engine coolant serving as a major cause of this problem, poor maintenance is also a major cause.

Solution: Cleaning and flushing the radiator to remove the sediments in the radiator. Cleaning the radiator from the inside ensures all the sediments are removed, and the radiator is functional. Check the components of the radiator, especially the cap, if they are intact and replace any damaged components. Also, changing the water pump can be the solution to the problem. 

Unreliable Crankshaft

Due to the way Harley engine models were developed, the pressed-up crankshaft has been one of the problems of the engine. The pressed-up crank interactions with the twin cams can lead to a complete engine breakdown. 

In addition, the interaction causes misalignment as a result of the spline shaft forcing down the left flywheel. The left flywheel then bends or shifts the crankpin from its place, leading to engine failure. This often happens when the bike is in motion, and you are riding fast. 

Solution: Ensure you pay close attention to your bike. This is to ensure that once there is a broken pin, it is removed and replaced immediately. It is necessary because the broken components can cause further damage to the bike's other components. In addition, most mechanics and other bike professionals advised that the entire bad crankshaft should be removed and replaced.

It is rare for a bike engine to develop faults suddenly. Most major problems are a result of neglecting minor problems. Bike engines often give warning signs when there is a problem, or a problem is coming. Below are some of the warning signs that your bike engine has developed fault:

Miscalculated Acceleration

Miscalculated acceleration can be fatal as it can result in accidents. It is a result of the engine's increased oil pressure. One of the symptoms of this is white or blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipes. To prevent any accidents, it is advisable to slow down the bike and check the engine. In this case, it would be best if a mechanic or any other professional checks it out. 

Loud, Unusual, or Rattling Noise

A loud, unusual noise is often a sign of a loose component, or something else is wrong with the engine. For example, the shaft pin is loosed or displaced if the noise becomes very loud and rattling. The rattling noise can also be a result of broken pieces rumbling around. Broken parts can further damage the other parts of the engine. 

Cold Starting

A failing engine may not start on time. It takes time to start, and the effort may prove abortive. The slow start of the engine is often a sign that something is wrong with the engine, even under normal circumstances.

Loose Pistons

The piston can get loosed when the revs get too serious and intense. The loose pistons increase friction because of the consistent metal-to-metal contact. This increased friction can lead to overheating due to the intensity of the metal-to-metal contact.

The main solution is to remove the loose piston and replace them with a new one. This will reduce friction, and the engine will begin to work normally.

Conclusion

As an owner or a potential owner of Harley 114, it is important to familiarize yourself with the common engine problems peculiar to the engine. It will help you to know what to do when the problem arises and also take preventive measures when the need arises. Also, there is a reduced chance of these problems happening to you. The article provides common problems and solutions with other details according to user reviews and mechanics.