How to tell if a generator is flooded?

You can tell if a generator is flooded by observing several clear symptoms. The most obvious sign is a strong smell of gasoline around the engine and exhaust, especially after multiple failed starting attempts with the choke on. If you remove the spark plug, a flooded engine will have a spark plug that is wet with gasoline, often dripping, and dark in color rather than dry and light brown. The engine may have started briefly and then died, or it may crank but not fire at all despite having spark. You may also see gasoline dripping from the carburetor or air filter housing if the float needle is stuck open. Another indicator is that the engine feels unusually hard to pull or has excessive resistance because liquid fuel in the cylinder creates hydraulic lock. If you pull the starter cord and see fuel mist spraying from the spark plug hole with the plug removed, it is definitely flooded. Flooding is usually caused by leaving the choke on too long, over-priming, pulling the cord excessively without starting, or a stuck carburetor float that allows continuous fuel flow. To confirm, remove the air filter and look inside the carburetor throat. If you see pooled gasoline, the engine is flooded and needs to be cleared before it will start.