- A faulty fuel injector or carburetor that is delivering too much fuel
- A stuck or damaged float in the carburetor
- A weak or failing fuel pump that is not delivering enough fuel pressure to overcome the resistance of the injectors or carburetor
- A problem with the engine's ignition system that is preventing it from firing properly and causing the fuel to build up in the cylinders
When an engine floods, it can make it difficult or even impossible to start the engine. The excess fuel can also wash down the cylinder walls, reducing compression and making it even harder to start the engine. In some cases, flooding can cause the engine to stall or run rough even if it does start.
If your engine floods, you can try to clear it by holding the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and cranking the engine. This will open the throttle valve and allow the excess fuel to escape from the cylinders. If this doesn't work, you may need to remove the spark plugs and crank the engine to blow the excess fuel out. Be sure to dry off the spark plugs and reinstall them before attempting to start the engine.
If you're having problems with your engine flooding repeatedly, it's important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to identify and fix the underlying problem.
