Craftsman 3000 Generator Manual

The Craftsman 3000 Generator is a portable power source designed for home backup, job sites, and recreational use. It features a powerful engine capable of delivering up to 3000 watts of running power, multiple AC outlets, a DC output, overload protection, low-oil shutdown, and electric start capability. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Initial Setup & Assembly 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Starting & Operating Procedures 7. Connecting Electrical Loads 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Alternator, Control Panel, Fuel Tank, Battery (for electric start), Wheels and Handle Kit.

Feature	Description
Power Output	3000 Watts Running, 3500 Watts Surge
Engine Type	4-Stroke, OHV, Air-Cooled
Fuel Type	Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity	4 Gallons (Approx. 15.1 Liters)
AC Outlets	(2) 120V 20A Duplex Household Outlets
DC Output	12V, 8A DC Outlet (Battery Charging)
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start & Electric Key Start
Circuit Protection	AC Circuit Breaker, DC Fuse
Safety Features	Low-Oil Automatic Shutdown, Overload Protection
Runtime	Up to 10 hours at 50% load

Safety Precautions

Read all instructions before operating. Generator produces deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Location: Operate outdoors ONLY, at least 20 feet from buildings, windows, and vents.
Ventilation: Never use in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.
Fuel Safety: Refuel only when engine is OFF and cool. Wipe up spills immediately.
Electrical Safety: Use grounded, heavy-duty extension cords rated for your load.
Grounding: Generator frame must be properly grounded to an external ground rod as per local codes.

DANGER! Carbon Monoxide is odorless and can kill you. Install battery-operated CO alarms in your home.

Initial Setup & Assembly

Unpack all parts. Assembly requires attaching wheels and handle.

Inspect: Check for shipping damage. Ensure all parts are included.
Add Oil: Engine is shipped without oil. Add SAE 10W-30 motor oil to the full mark on the dipstick.
Add Fuel: Fill tank with fresh, unleaded gasoline. Do not overfill.
Attach Wheels/Handle: Follow included diagram to bolt wheels and folding handle to the frame.
Battery (Electric Start Models): Connect the red (+) and black (-) cables to the battery terminals.

CAUTION! The unit is heavy. Use assistance when moving or assembling.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 3000-Watt Portable Generator
Engine Displacement: 196 cc
AC Voltage: 120V, 60 Hz
DC Output: 12V, 8A
Noise Level: ≤ 68 dBA at 23 ft (7m)
Dimensions (L x W x H): 24" x 18" x 20" (approx.)
Dry Weight: 95 lbs (43 kg)
Spark Plug: F7RTC (Gap: 0.030")
Oil Capacity: 20 fl oz (0.6 L)
Warranty: 3-Year Limited Warranty

Controls and Indicators

Control Panel: AC Outlets, DC Outlet, Circuit Breaker Reset Button, Grounding Terminal.

Engine Controls: Fuel Valve, Choke, Engine Switch (On/Off), Recoil Starter Grip, Electric Start Key Switch.

Indicator Lights/Meters: Oil Warning Light (red), Output Indicator Light (green), Voltmeter.

Operation: Fuel Valve ON, Choke ON (cold start), Engine Switch ON, pull recoil starter or turn key. After starting, move choke to OFF position. Monitor voltmeter for proper output (~120V).

Starting & Operating Procedures

Always start and operate generator on a level surface.

Pre-Start Check: Verify oil level is correct. Ensure fuel valve is ON.
Cold Start: Move choke lever to CLOSED (CHOKE) position. Turn engine switch to ON. Pull recoil starter firmly or turn key to START. After engine starts, gradually move choke to OPEN (RUN) position.
Warm Start: Choke should be in OPEN position.
Connecting Loads: Start generator and let it stabilize for 2-3 minutes before plugging in devices.
Stopping: Unplug all loads. Let generator run for 2 minutes with no load to cool. Turn engine switch to OFF. Turn fuel valve to OFF.

Tip: For electric start, ensure battery is charged. Use a battery maintainer if storing for long periods.

Connecting Electrical Loads

Calculate total wattage of all connected devices before starting. Do not exceed 3000W running power.

Calculate Load: Add the running watts of all appliances. Ensure total is less than 3000W.
Start Sequence: Plug in and start the device with the largest motor first (highest surge wattage).
Use Proper Cords: Use outdoor-rated, grounded (3-prong) extension cords of adequate wire gauge (12 AWG recommended for longer runs).
DC Output: Use to charge 12V automotive batteries only. Connect positive to positive, negative to negative. Do not start vehicle while connected.

WARNING! Never plug the generator into a wall outlet. This can cause "backfeed," which is lethal to utility workers.

Maintenance Schedule

Perform maintenance in a well-ventilated area with engine OFF and cool.

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check engine oil level. Inspect for leaks or damage.
First 5 Hours	Change engine oil (break-in period).
Every 50 Hours or Seasonally	Change engine oil. Clean or replace air filter. Check spark plug.
Every 100 Hours	Replace spark plug. Clean fuel sediment cup.
Every 200 Hours	Check valve clearance (refer to service manual).
As Needed	Clean exterior with damp cloth. Keep cooling fins and area around muffler clear of debris.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and ensures easy starting.

Short-Term (Under 30 days): No special preparation required.
Long-Term:
- Add fuel stabilizer to gasoline and run generator for 10 minutes to circulate stabilized fuel through the carburetor.
- Turn fuel valve OFF and let engine run until it stalls to drain carburetor.
- While engine is warm, change the oil.
- Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to coat cylinder walls, reinstall plug.
- Store in a clean, dry, well-ventilated place. Cover with a protective cloth.

CAUTION! Storing with untreated gasoline will cause gum deposits in the carburetor, leading to starting problems.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 3000 Generator is covered by a 3-Year Limited Warranty for residential use. This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep your receipt and model/serial number (located on the engine housing) for reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	1. Out of fuel. 2. Fuel valve OFF. 3. Choke not set correctly. 4. Low oil level (shutdown activated). 5. Old or bad gasoline. 6. Spark plug faulty.	1. Add fuel. 2. Turn fuel valve ON. 3. Use CHOKE for cold start. 4. Add oil to proper level. 5. Drain and replace with fresh gas. 6. Clean, gap, or replace spark plug.
Engine starts then dies	1. Choke left on. 2. Clogged fuel filter/line. 3. Carburetor needs cleaning.	1. Move choke to RUN position. 2. Inspect and clean fuel system. 3. Have carburetor serviced.
No AC power output	1. Circuit breaker tripped. 2. Connected load is too high. 3. Fault in alternator.	1. Unplug loads, let generator cool, reset breaker. 2. Reduce connected load. 3. Contact authorized service center.
Generator runs but surges or is unstable	1. Dirty air filter. 2. Water or dirt in fuel. 3. Governor needs adjustment.	1. Clean or replace air filter. 2. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill. 3. Service by qualified technician.
Excessive vibration or noise	1. Loose bolts or parts. 2. Engine mount damaged. 3. Unbalanced load (single high-wattage device).	1. Tighten all fasteners, especially wheels/handle. 2. Inspect mounts. 3> Distribute load across both outlets if possible.

For Service: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com