An overabundance of gas within the engine cylinders, stopping correct combustion, is a situation generally known as an engine flooding. This sometimes happens throughout beginning makes an attempt, particularly in older autos or these with carburetors, the place extreme gas is delivered into the cylinders. This extreme gas disrupts the air-fuel ratio required for ignition, rendering the engine unable to start out. An instance is repeatedly pumping the accelerator pedal earlier than beginning an older carbureted automotive, a habits that may simply result in this gas overload.
Addressing this situation is essential to keep away from potential injury to the engine, comparable to cylinder washdown, the place the surplus gas washes away the lubricating oil from the cylinder partitions, resulting in elevated put on. Understanding the causes and treatments can forestall prolonged intervals of immobility and expensive repairs. Traditionally, coping with this case was a frequent concern, notably earlier than the arrival of recent gas injection methods that exactly management gas supply.