What effect can improper fuel injector operation have on engine performance?

Improper fuel injector operation can lead to unstable engine performance due to several factors related to how fuel injectors function within an engine. Fuel injectors deliver precise amounts of fuel into the combustion chamber. If they are not operating correctly—whether through clogging, leakage, or incorrect spray patterns—it can result in an inconsistent fuel-air mixture.

This inconsistency can cause various symptoms, such as rough idling, stalling, misfiring, or hesitation during acceleration. For instance, if an injector is leaking, it might deliver too much fuel, leading to a rich mixture that can cause poor combustion and performance instability. Conversely, if an injector is clogged, it may not deliver enough fuel, leading to a lean mixture and similar performance issues. Overall, the result is an engine that does not run smoothly, exhibiting fluctuations in power and responsiveness, which is characteristic of unstable engine performance.