Need some help from our engine builders, or someone who has experience with the Powerhouse 114 motors. We have a top end from a 114 inch Powerhouse. The owner wants to have the cylinders sleeved, as they're worn, and already at +0.030". He has acquired a set of NOS STD. size pistons for this motor, and wants the cylinders repaired, as they can't be bought new anymore.
The thing that I need help with, is the crankshaft. These motors use offset rods, and the cylinders are in line, the pistons and rods small end have a built in offset to accommodate the cranks offset rods, in a standard Harley style case. The problem I see is that his old pistons are cracked in an area that shouldn't "normally" see stress. And I think it's due to the side loading of the pistons with the offset piston / rod combo.
If you look at the inside of the rear cylinder, you see there are three distinct wear patterns at 120 degrees apart, front is the same. What we were able to find out was that these pistons were made by Keith Black, and the have a three point cam ground shape, rather than a standard two point cam grind that pistons see. I think this was to "try" and stabilize the pistons with the offset rods. Just a guess though.
OK, back to the crank. I believe he's going to see the same problem again due to the motors design. What I wanted to find out is, can a Harley EVO crank fit in these motors, if you had the proper length rods made? Of course I'm not presuming that an Evo crank drops right in, but rather what's critical to know is if the left and right side bearings, Timken and pinion side rollers, are the same span side to side as a stock Evo. If they are, an Evo crank can be made to work with a 4.000" stroke, and the weight / balance taken care of.
Or has anyone known to have had the crank rebuilt to HD style male and female rods? Or a custom crank / rods made. We want to be able to give the owner some info to help him end up with a motor that will last. This is twice in not all that many miles that he's had the pistons fail. All the pics below are what we have, the crank pic is from the link shown, as we don't have the crank here.
Thanks
Brian