Which component's malfunction could lead to an engine backfire?

A carburetor plays a crucial role in the operation of small engines by mixing air and fuel in the correct proportions for combustion. If the carburetor malfunctions, it can disrupt this balance—resulting in either an excessively rich or lean air-fuel mixture. An excessively rich mixture, which contains too much fuel relative to the amount of air, can cause unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system. Conversely, a lean mixture lacks sufficient fuel, which can result in incomplete combustion. Both of these scenarios might lead to an engine backfire, characterized by a loud popping sound as the unburned fuel ignites in the exhaust system.

Other components, while important for engine operation, do not directly influence the air-fuel mixture in the same way. For example, a fuel filter primarily prevents contaminants from reaching the engine, and while a clogged filter might cause performance issues, it doesn't directly cause backfiring. An air filter's function is to prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine’s intake, but similar to the fuel filter, it affects performance differently than the carburetor. Generators are typically not a part of the combustion process and are more related to electricity generation rather than engine firing. Thus, the carburetor's