Craftsman 3500 Watt Generator Manual Pdf (2024)

FAQs

How long will a Craftsman 3500 generator run on a tank of gas? ›

The 19 hour run time makes it perfect for all of your recreational and home backup needs and features the new CO Detection technology.

Versatility and power are yours with the Champion 3500-watt portable generator. Rely on the Champion 208cc engine and enjoy up to 12 hours of run time at 50% load with a noise level of 68 dBA. Featuring Intelligauge, this generator is your perfect portable power solution.

A 3500-watt generator can run most home and RV/camping appliances, including coffee makers, microwaves, dishwashers, toasters, TVs, vacuum cleaners, and power tools. However, you might not be able to run all these simultaneously. It's best to check the starting and running wattage of each appliance you'd like to power.

Craftsman Generator Fuel Cap

If the fuel cap vent is clogged, air won't be able to enter the tank and a vacuum or “vapor lock” will occur. This stops the flow of fuel to the carburetor causing the engine to stall. To determine if the fuel cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the cap and then starting the engine.

Will a 3500-watt generator run 2 refrigerators? Yes, if both refrigerators are compatible with a 3000-watt generator you can operate them safely.

Depends on Size

A small generator with low power output will use less gas compared to a larger generator. For example, a 2000-watt portable generator can operate for approximately 6-8 hours on a gallon of gas, while a 5000-watt standby generator may consume close to one gallon per hour.

The generator also boasts a four-gallon fuel tank that offers up to 12 hours of run time at half load, and two 120V outlets and one 12V DC output for added convenience.

Always thoroughly read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe operation of your generator. Don't leave a running generator unattended; turn it off at night and when away from home.

Gasoline-powered portable generators can run continuously for about six to 16 hours at a time. Well-managed propane portable generators can run for about 150 to 200 hours at a time (about up to eight days).

On average, a standby generator can run for up to 3,000 hours powering a medium-sized home, though it is recommended you do not run a generator for longer than 500 hours continuously.

Should you run a generator at full capacity? ›

Load Management

Operating a generator at full load will deplete the fuel much faster than running it at a partial load. For instance, a generator running at 50% load will consume less fuel and can run longer compared to running at 100% load.

Overall, you should be fine with a 3,000W generator, or a 3,500W one on the safe side. Since the system is limited to 3,600W, buying a 4,000W generator may get everything you can out of your system, but you're wasting 400W and burning fuel that you don't need to.

If your generator keeps turning off, this is an indicator of a dirty air filter. This is a serious issue because a clogged filter can impede airflow. We recommend cleaning or replacing the air filter to restore proper airflow, ensuring the engine receives the clean air it needs to operate efficiently.

Overloading. One of the most common causes of a generator cutting out is overloading. Since most modern generators come with automatic switch-offs, they will shut down when they become overloaded. However, you will not find this issue in older models because they don't have this safety feature.

Fuel pipes

One of the reasons your generator might start and run for a few seconds but then stop could have something to do with the fuel in the pipes or tanks. Pipes can eventually bend or become damaged, including leaks, which can cause problems.

On average, a 5-gallon tank can run for about 7 to 10 hours at 50% load. Diesel generators tend to be more fuel-efficient and can run longer than their gasoline counterparts.

A standard 5-kilowatt generator will typically consume about 0.75 gallons per hour. As of July 2018, the average price for gasoline is $2.89 a gallon in the United States. If you ran the portable generator for a day, that would consume about 18 gallons, meaning the cost to run the generator would be around $52 a day.

3500 – Watt generators are the most popular class of generators that can run your essential home appliances like refrigerator, Window AC, Heater, Sump Pump, etc. Since a 3.5kw generator can provide 14 amp and 240 volts or 28 amp and 120 volts you will be able to run all medium power appliances without overloading them.

A 3,500-watt generator is an excellent size for most campers, especially 30-amp RVs. With this size, you can run a small air conditioning unit or other appliances like microwave ovens and refrigerators. You may also be able to run a few lights at the same time.