Which consequence is most likely from a malfunctioning carburetor?

A malfunctioning carburetor can lead to poor fuel efficiency due to its primary role in mixing air and fuel for combustion within the engine. When the carburetor is not functioning properly, it may deliver either too much or too little fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. This imbalance results in improper combustion, which not only affects how well the engine runs but also leads to more fuel being consumed for the same amount of power output.

For example, if the carburetor is allowing too much fuel to flow into the engine without the corresponding amount of air, it can create a rich mixture. This rich fuel condition causes incomplete combustion, leading to excess fuel being wasted. Conversely, if the carburetor provides too little fuel, the engine may struggle to perform efficiently, leading to poor performance and more fuel being wasted as the driver tries to compensate by pressing the accelerator harder.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that are less likely to occur directly from a malfunctioning carburetor. Excessive engine power is typically not a direct result of carburetor issues, as a faulty carburetor generally leads to power loss. Increased emissions may occur as a consequence of incomplete combustion, but the primary and most immediate consequence would be the noticeable drop