What is the consequence of dripping fuel from an injector nozzle after injection terminates?

The consequence of dripping fuel from an injector nozzle after injection terminates primarily leads to coking and blocking of the fuel nozzles. When excess fuel accumulates at the injector nozzle, it can carbonize and create deposits, which we commonly refer to as "coke." This buildup can obstruct the proper functioning of the injector, resulting in inefficient fuel atomization during subsequent injection cycles.

Coking can significantly affect engine performance and efficiency. Blocked fuel nozzles can lead to uneven fuel distribution in the combustion chamber, causing an imbalance in combustion, which may lead to potential engine knocking, increased emissions, and might even necessitate more frequent maintenance or injector replacement.

The issue of coking arises because fuel that is dripped or pooled around the nozzle during the termination of injection doesn't burn off completely. Instead, it can degrade under high temperature conditions and form solid carbon deposits, which can compromise both the injector's operation and the overall efficiency of the engine system.