Burnham Boiler with a Beckett Burner model AFG

[Neptune Loser]

I have a  Burnham boiler with a Beckett burner ( Model AFG )that from time to time has a delayed ignition. I hear the burner come on, about a 10 second delay and then poof ignition with black soot and diesel smell. This dosen't  happen always,  it will fire up normaly most of the time. New nozzle? Igniter? Igniter coil? Relay?  All of the above? Any ideas?  None of these things have been replaced in the 12 years we have had the house. Is this something I can fix myself? Really want to do this before it becomes a real problem, winter is coming! Thanks!

[Scottthewolf]

Boilers need to be tuned up and cleaned at least every other year, especially oil burners. If you don't you will get just what you described. A boiler tune up usually consists of a cleaning, new nozzles, checking the ignitor and adjusting the flame if necessary. The block should be inspected for cracks and leaks. Burnham seems to have problems with cracked blocks. I would call a qualified boiler technician near you.