Flooded Engine
A flooded engine has so much fuel in the cylinders that the mixture is too rich to ignite.
What is Flooded Engine?
It can happen when a cold engine is started and switched off again after a few seconds. Wet, fuel-smelling spark plugs are a typical sign. Many cars have a clear-flood mode when the accelerator is pressed fully while cranking. After a flooded start, a short drive helps clear the plugs.
How it works
Excess fuel wets the plugs and makes the mixture too rich, so the spark cannot light it.
Why it matters for your car
Do not crank for long periods; let the starter and battery rest between attempts. Repeated flooding can point to leaking injectors or a faulty sensor.
Other terms
- Automatic Climate Control
- Battery Recycling
- Brake Fluid Boiling Point
- Clear Coat Failure (Lacquer Peel)
- Contact Cleaner (Electrical Cleaner)
- Deceleration Fuel Cut-off (Overrun Fuel Cut)
- Forced DPF Regeneration (Service Regeneration)
- Fuel Tank
- GAP Insurance
- Harmonic Balancer (Crankshaft Damper)
- Induction Heater
- Labour Time (Flat-rate Time)
- Lithium Grease
- Mechanic’s Creeper
- Misfuelling (Wrong Fuel)
- Monocoque (Unibody)
- Oil Sump (Oil Pan)
- Over-the-air Update (OTA)
- Rear Quarter Panel (Rear Wing)
- Tar Remover