Heavy fuel oils generally have an upper average ash content of 0.1% by weight. Which of the following conditions could be expected if the ash content increases above this amount?

Correct Answer: Option B — Increased exhaust valve wear

Vanadium, sodium, and sulfur compounds present in heavy fuel oil ash form corrosive slag deposits at high combustion temperatures. These hard deposits prevent proper exhaust valve seating, causing blowby, localized high-temperature flame cutting, and accelerated mechanical and thermal wear.