The heater won't ignite. Have to bleed air from both the bleeder valve and the copper tubing that comes out of the pump and goes into the igniter. This is happening a lot. It will work for one day -- or 3 -- or 20 days.

- The level of kerosene in the tank was at different levels.
- The burner tip has been replaced with a new one.

Could the pump be losing prime to get air in the lines?

You have an air leak somewhere. Finding the leak is often a matter of detective work & trial & error. The leak could be anywhere in the fuel system from the pump itself all the way back to the tank. If any fittings or joints have be disturbed recently, that's where I'd start.