What effect does using larger injectors than required have on fuel consumption?

Using larger injectors than required can lead to increased fuel consumption due to the fact that those injectors will spray more fuel into the combustion chamber than what is necessary for optimal combustion. When an engine receives excess fuel, not all of it might be combusted effectively; this can cause incomplete combustion, which not only wastes fuel but can also lead to increased emissions and reduced engine performance.

Furthermore, larger injectors may alter the fuel-air mixture beyond the ideal stoichiometric ratio, leading to a richer mixture. A richer mixture can result in additional fuel being used, effectively increasing the overall fuel consumption of the engine while reducing its efficiency. This contrasts with properly sized injectors, which deliver an appropriate amount of fuel for the engine's needs, optimizing both fuel usage and performance. Therefore, selecting injectors that match the engine’s specifications is crucial for maintaining fuel efficiency.