probably just a jammed float as it happened after moving it.
fwiw,,,
I've a 14.5 briggs / snapper rider that when I stand it on the rear bumper
the float somehow will get stuck in the open position and when I put it down
apparently the float is in some state of jamb & will flood the cyl quickly ,
and if left sitting it will flood the oil too when I turn on the gas. I
can quickly turn on the gas and quickly turn it right back off which seems
to instantly unjamb it.
yea gas squirts a long way out that plug hole & sort of atomized too .

"m Ransley" wrote in message
...
My neighbor loaned out a 10 hp 5500w Generac B&S generator and upon
recieving it back it was so flooded it wouldnt pull, Hydro lock. Tank
valve was left open, 5 gal on top. The crank case overflowed gas and
upon plug removal gas squirted out 5 ft . Is this a bad float with
the valve in just the wrong position or what. Motor is OHV 2v yr old
Generac-B&S. Oil was drained-refilled right after twice but still
smells of gas. B&S is closed today.