What can cause the burner flame to flicker?

A flickering burner flame is often indicative of an improper air-to-fuel ratio. The air-to-fuel ratio is crucial for achieving efficient combustion in oil burners. If there is not enough air mixed with the fuel, or if there is too much air, it can lead to unstable combustion, resulting in a flame that flickers as the burner struggles to maintain a consistent burn. This may happen due to air supply issues, or if the fuel is not vaporizing properly, both of which can lead to an imbalance that manifests as a flickering flame.

While excessive soot buildup, low oil pressure, and a faulty ignition system can all lead to problems with burner performance, they typically result in other symptoms. For instance, excessive soot buildup might lead to a weak flame or smoke, but not necessarily flickering. Low oil pressure can result in flame instability or extinguishment. A faulty ignition system generally leads to failure to ignite or inconsistent startup performance. Properly addressing the air-to-fuel ratio is essential for maintaining a stable and continuous flame, making it the primary cause of flickering in this scenario.