What Is Engine Flooding?

Engine flooding is a common mechanical problem that leaves countless drivers stranded on the side of the road. Assuming your vehicle has a combustion gas engine, it may be susceptible to flooding. Fortunately, engine flooding can typically be prevented. By learning what causes it, you can take the necessary preventative measures with your vehicle.

Overview of Engine Flooding

Engine flooding is a phenomenon in which a combustion gas engine receives an excessive amount of fuel. All combustion gas engines are powered by fuel. They burn a mixture of fuel and air within a combustion chamber to power the respective vehicles with which they are used. Engines, of course, require a specific amount of fuel. If the injectors shoot too much fuel into an engine's combustion chamber, it may cause flooding. The term "engine flooding" simply refers to an excessive amount of fuel within an engine's combustion chamber.

What Causes Engine Flooding?

Engine flooding is often the result of a rich-running engine. In other words, it occurs when your vehicle's engine burns a high ratio of fuel to air. As previously mentioned, all combustion gas engines burn fuel and air. For optimal performance, they require a specific amount of both elements. If the engine receives too much gas and not enough air, it will run rich, which can lead to flooding.

In the past, engine flooding was more common due to the use of carburetors. Vehicles manufactured in the past used a  carburetor to force fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. Modern vehicles, on the other hand, use an injection system that sprays or injects fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. Flooding can occur with both types of engines, but this phenomenon is most common with carburetor-based engines.

How to Prevent Engine Flooding

If you discover that your vehicle's engine is flooding, there are a few things you can do. Allowing your vehicle to warm up before driving, for instance, can often prevent the engine from flooding. Rather than putting your vehicle in drive immediately after you crank it, wait three to five minutes.

You should also consider checking your vehicle's oxygen sensor. Also known as the O2 sensor, this component is responsible for regulating the amount of air that enters the engine's combustion chamber. If the oxygen sensor is bad, the combustion chamber may receive an insufficient amount of air. When combined with an excessive amount of fuel, this can lead to flooding.

Here is a list of tools you may need to change an O2 sensor:

• Auto diagnostic scanner
• Hydraulic Jack
• Jack stands
• 3⁄8 in ratchet wrench
• 7⁄8 in oxygen sensor socket
• Penetrating oil