What is a potential result of improper fuel atomization in an engine?

Improper fuel atomization can lead to several negative outcomes in engine performance, with one potential result being a decreased engine lifespan. When fuel is not atomized correctly, it can cause issues such as incomplete combustion, resulting in carbon buildup and deposits on critical engine components. This buildup can lead to increased wear and tear on engine parts, causing them to fail prematurely. Additionally, poor fuel atomization can contribute to knocking, overheating, and a host of other operational inefficiencies that may collectively shorten the effective lifespan of the engine.

In contrast, increased torque typically benefits from proper fuel atomization, while zero impact on performance is unlikely since fuel atomization plays a critical role in combustion. Lastly, lower fuel flow rates do not directly relate to the efficiency of fuel atomization; in fact, poor atomization could lead to higher fuel consumption due to inefficient combustion processes.