Sputtering burner flames are an indication of what?

Sputtering burner flames are primarily a sign of water being present in the fuel oil. When water is mixed with fuel, it disrupts the combustion process. As the fuel is burned in the burner, the water produces steam, causing an unstable flame that sputters intermittently. This unstable combustion can lead to inefficient burning and potentially damage the burner over time.

Low fuel pressure may result in poor combustion, but it typically manifests as a weak or yellow flame rather than sputtering. An excessive air supply can lead to a lean mixture, producing a different combustion pattern that may not necessarily include sputtering. A faulty ignitor might cause issues in initiating the combustion or maintaining a flame, but it does not typically create the sputtering effect associated with water in the fuel. Understanding these indicators is crucial for troubleshooting and maintaining burner systems effectively.