Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Check the oil level in the burner to ensure it has an adequate amount.
2

Turn the furnace off and shut off the breaker that powers it to prevent electrical discharge. Unhook the oil line from the pump and reach underneath it to pull the lock nut off that holds the nozzle assembly in place. Remove the oil burner nozzle with a wrench and replace it with a new one. A clogged nozzle often leads to sputtering because the burner isn't receiving enough fuel. It is simpler and cost-effective to replace the nozzle instead of trying to clean the old one.
3

Bleed air out of the oil lines by loosening the bleed screw on the motor slightly, hitting the reset button on the burner and then loosening the screw fully to release any air that may be trapped in the hoses. Excess air interferes with oil flow and can cause sputtering.
4

Adjust the baffles on the side of the burner to increase the air flow into the combustion chamber.
5

Unscrew the bolt to the oil filter cover and pull the cover off. Slide the oil filter out and replace it with a fresh one. A clogged oil filter often leads to sputtering issues.