97 Suzuki Quadrunner 250 2X4. 2K miles

Bought it three months ago. minor repairs got it running but still "rich"
did a 14 mile break ride and it checked out fine.
After the ride i noticed the petcock was in the "off" position the whole time.
Parked the ATV for 3-4 weeks.
Started it up great but then HEAVY white smoke.
I noticed the oil level was high.
Began to drain the oil and it looked more like water and smelled like fuel.

So...I know something is leaking and washing past the rings into the oil. My theory is that it's either a bowl problem and the float is not doing it's job or the petcock. Can a broken petcock flood a motor?

I need to fix this thing so I can sell it. It's the wife's and since she's pregnant she won't ride it anymore.

Thanks,

Jason.
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You have 2 problems. Replace both the petcock AND the needle/seat (or at least check for debris that may be not allowing the needle to seat properly).

I assume that when you said "Began to drain the oil and it looked more like water and smelled like fuel", that you meant that the oil viscosity was very thin. If there were water in it, the oil would look like a chockolate milkshake.

By itself, a bad petcock won't flood an engine, but if the needle/seat also allow fuel to seep into an engine, then the excess fuel will ultimately end up in your oil. A bad needle/seat can also contribute to a rich running condition.