Corroded float bowls

[Anonymous]

Hi, all; been a while but I see the forum is as busy as ever. Got a problem with the chrome-plated float bowls on the VM26 carbs of my 79 850. The plating is peeling and flaking with the expected results of fouling the needle and seat. Anyone dealt with this problem besides replacing the bowls? I'm thinking of an effective sealer or paint, but all suggestions are welcome.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I don't understand why the inside of the bowls would be chrome plated. Besides your problem, I would imagine the plating plugged up the hole that the choke draws fuel from.
I'm also not sure how the chrome flakes are going UP and lodging between the float valve tip and its seat. Seems unlikely. I could see flakes getting stuck in the jets though.
If it's causing you problems, a plating shop might salvage the chrome for free if you ask? My plater took back their chrome when I said I didn't like the results on a certain piece.
Otherwise get new bowls I guess, if you can't remove it yourself.

[Anonymous]

Keith, thanks for the quick reply. Good point about the flakes migrating upwards, just that I have a problem with that (#1) carb float needle failing to shut off and saw flaking plating upon inspecting the bowl. The needle and seat appear to be unmarked (no wear or scuff marks on the needle) so I jumped to THE CONCLUSION!! However, I do have another problem with that (#1) carb only, a frozen idle air screw, and I have no idea if it's adjusted correctly or not. or if that would be related to a flooding problem. BTW, the bike starts and runs fine after tuning tutorials from you folks last year so I have ignored the idle air screw. If it ain't broke, ...... Any comments?

[KEITH KRAUSE]

If you're talking about the side air screw, then that wouldn't cause any flooding. Only the float, float valve or valve seat gasket/o-ring can cause that.
You say the bike runs fine, so leave it be if you like. It could be near/at the correct setting anyway.