What is the most common cause of a pulsating fire in oil heating systems?

In oil heating systems, a pulsating fire is often caused by air in the fuel line. This condition creates an irregular flow of oil, leading to inconsistent combustion and a flickering or pulsating flame.

When air enters the fuel line, it disrupts the steady delivery of oil to the burner. This interruption can cause fluctuations in fuel pressure and, subsequently, variations in the combustion process. The most common symptoms of this issue include an unstable burn and an audible rhythmic sound during operation, which can mimic a pulsing effect.

While an oil supply line might be a contributing factor in other issues, it is not the primary cause of a pulsating fire. Faulty burner components typically result in complete operational failures or other visible malfunctions rather than just a pulsing flame. An improper fuel mixture could lead to inefficient burning or sooting but would not specifically create a pulsating effect in the flame. Therefore, identifying and removing air from the fuel line is crucial in addressing the pulsating fire problem in oil heating systems.