How to Troubleshoot a Craftsman Generator

Check the fuel. Fill the tank if it's low. Change the fuel if it's old or contaminated with debris or water. The generator may not start -- or may stop working or run poorly -- if the fuel is low or of poor quality.

Check the oil. Fill the tank or change the oil if it's old or contaminated with debris. If the oil is old or of poor quality, the generator may refuse to start, may stop working or run poorly.

Inspect the spark plug and spark-plug wire. Change the spark plug if it's faulty. Clean and reinstall the spark plug if it's dirty or installed incorrectly. Secure the wire if it's loose. The generator won’t start or run correctly if the spark plug is installed incorrectly or not working properly.

Examine the power cord and extension cord. Secure all cord connections and replace cords if they're damaged; the generator can’t start or run without an adequate power supply.

Check the amount of load on the generator. Remove all appliances from the generator during start up. If the generator stalls while running, remove the load, restart the generator and then reduce the load.

Check that the proper loads are in the correct receptacles. For example, plug 120 volt equipment in the 120 volt receptacles.

Observe the proper starting procedure. Remove all electrical loads before attempting to start the generator. Turn the fuel shut-off valve to the “Open” or “On” position. Set the choke to “Choke” position. Press the electrical start switch for electrical units or pull the the pull cord, slowly at first then rapidly, for manual units. Warm engines do not need the choke moved to the “Choke” position.