Why does my oil furnace have to be reset when it gets colder out?

Question

I have an oil boiler type furnace with a Beckett burner, dont use it to heat water though
.. Twice so far this year, after I get an oil delivery, (I let it get down to 1/4 tank then put in 100 gallons) or like today, when it gets real cold out, I have to start the furnace with the reset button.. So far today furnace is running after the first reset.. Temp in the house is going up slower than usual, but pipes in cellar are hot..
I need to find out what is causing this as we are in for a real cold night,and do not want my pipes to freeze..

I use a blower to keep dryer lint, dust, dirt and cat fur away from furnace so sensor stays cleaner and other stuff doesnt clog..Cat does sleep on top of furnace when its really cold though, he's there for mice..
Could it be sludge? We replaced the oil line from tank to furnace last year, and have the furnace cleaned yearly.. I dont think we did the nozzle yet this year though..

Answer 1

If you had sludge in your line, there's sludge in your tank. Each fall I stick a length of 1/4" copper tubing down to the bottom of the tank and use a hand pump to pull out the crap and sludge. It's usually black or bown, while my fuel oil is normally a nice clear red color.

Your filter and nozzle probably need to be replaced again, even if you've already had that done a couple months ago. Reason is that with the deliveries to the close to empty tank, it stirred up all that sludge. If you call for the oil, add a can of anti-sludge treatment, or have your fuel people add it upon request (for a charge of course). If this sludge has been going through your system long enough, it is likely the filter screen inside your oil pump (on your Beckett burner) may also need replacing. This part is like $2 plus a gasket.

You may also safely add Kerosene to your tank when the temperature outside is going to get in the teens or below. It is a better grade fuel and will help prevent gelling and sludge and it burns really clean. I have a blue 5 gallon can and my local gas station has this. 5% to 10% Kerosene to Fuel Oil will work nice. This is something you can do tonight!

You can also get a heat tape, suitable for a fuel line from your local plumbing supply. Get one with a thermostat and that can also be enclosed in a foam sleeve.

You can email me if something doesn't make sense or needs clarification.

Answer 2

Well, you might try ordering oil deliveries a little sooner, say around 1/3rd of a tank, that would likely be my next step just to make sure you're doing it right.

Answer 3

If there are any oil lines exposed to the elements (cold) They should be isulated so the cold won't thicken the oil slowing the travel through the lines.