When I start it I hear it prime, after 5-10 seconds the burner ignites, it'll run about 10 seconds then cuts off with a small puff of smoke. I've changed the oil filter, checked for leaks (though I have no way to check the vacuum on it) and even tried a cad cell I had in a previous burner. I'm still thinking it might be the cads, but the puff of smoke thing is bothering me. Any ideas before I get ripped off by some heating guy?

Hi Goatboy... :)

Did you prime the pump by bleeding all the air from the oil line? If you are unsure, check out this video... shows how to "prime" the pump.

MkRTW3y7hiI

If you have primed the pump and are still getting the puff of smoke I'd tell you to be careful in igniting the burner as the combustion chamber could be flooded with oil and may need to be cleaned before proceeding... could very well be the CAD eye here... ;)

Back to you...

Mark

PS: No comment on the diesel fuel in the video...LOL!