For a Briggs 3.5hp 80202 engine, I know I have seen mechanical timing off for intake valve.
If the intake valve stays open too long into the compression stroke, the venturi effect does just as well, but in the opposite direction. The gas gasoline mist instead of going into the cylinder, instead goes and soaks my paper air
filter with gasoline.
From that point on, the engine will be starved for air, flooded, yep.
I have a no adjustable mechanical timing on the old Briggs. I will need to get back to grinding valve stem tips, a crude way to compensate for reduced valve lash, caused by valve seat compression.
The new engine your using you will use the feeler gauge to adjust, but needs to be where in the cycle with relation the piston being to top dead center. A manual for the engine should have the specs and procedure so it is right.
MT