Oil fired furnace does not start automatically

The furnace does not start automatically from time to time. I need to push reset button and smell the smoke coming out of the furnace. Sometimes it happens every one or two days. Sometimes it may work well for a couple of weeks. I have the furnace serviced every year after we purchased the house three years ago. What might be wrong with the furnace? Thanks.

 

There are several possible causes but the first that comes to mind is delayed ignition.

Not meaning to put you on the spot but how much do you pay for your yearly service? A good annual service will cost a minimum of $150 and depending on exactly what is serviced may be closer to $250.

Residential heating systems are not my area of expertise although I do know a bit about them. If you could please post the manufacturer and model of your furnace along with several pictures it would help the people who volunteer their expertise to help you.

Pictures need to be uploaded to a photo hosting site and the URLs posted here.

 

Thank you, furd.

I paid around $125 after discount. The service was done by a small business from whom we also purchase oil.

The furnace model is P3LF016F10001A, made by York International Corp.

I took some pictures and posted them online. Here are links.

 

The causes for delayed igniton a numerous but some of the more common ones are: Fouled nozzle; weak ignition transformer; and worn, cracked, or misadjusted electrodes.