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When a tractor's fuel injection pump is malfunctioning, one of the primary outcomes is increased fuel consumption. The fuel injection pump is crucial for delivering the correct amount of fuel to the engine's cylinders at the right time. If it is not functioning properly, it may either over-deliver fuel or make it inefficiently timed, leading to excessive fuel being injected into the engine. This results in higher fuel consumption because the engine must work harder to maintain performance levels, resulting in wasted fuel.

The other outcomes listed are unlikely to occur with a malfunctioning fuel injection pump. For instance, decreased engine noise is generally associated with smooth and efficient engine operation, which would not be expected from a pump malfunction. Improved torque response would also not be a result of pump issues, as a malfunction typically hinders optimal power delivery. Finally, stable engine performance would not be seen if the fuel injection system is compromised, as instability in fuel delivery directly affects the engine’s overall performance. Therefore, increased fuel consumption is a direct, observable effect of a malfunctioning fuel injection pump.