What safety rules come first?
Run a portable generator outdoors only, well away from doors, windows and vents, since the exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas you cannot see or smell. Never run one in a garage, barn, basement or any enclosed space, even with doors open.
Install battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarms in living areas. If anyone feels dizzy, nauseated or has a headache while a generator runs, get to fresh air and seek medical help right away.
Place the generator on a level, dry surface and keep children and pets away from the exhaust and hot parts. Keep a fire extinguisher suited to fuel and electrical fires nearby, and let everyone in the household know how to shut the machine off quickly.
- Keep it outdoors and well away from buildings
- Keep it dry but never under a closed cover while running
- Let it cool before refueling
Why will it not start?
The usual suspects are old fuel, an empty tank, a switch in the wrong position, a dirty air filter or low oil with a shutoff that stops the engine. Fuel left in the tank for months can go stale and gum up the carburetor.
Check the owner's manual for the start routine and for the specific causes listed for your model. Use fresh fuel as the manual directs, and store fuel only in approved containers away from living spaces.
Spark plugs and air filters wear out over time, and a plug with heavy deposits can cause hard starting. Replace them on the maker's schedule using the parts the manual lists. If a pull cord is stiff or the engine will not turn over normally, stop and take it to a repair shop rather than forcing it.
- Check the oil level and fuel
- Check the on and choke settings
- Follow the manual for your model
Why does it start but then die or surge?
Surging or stalling often points to fuel problems, a dirty carburetor, a clogged filter or too heavy a load. A generator that runs fine with nothing attached and stalls under load may be overloaded or have a fuel delivery problem.
Carburetor work and internal repairs are best left to a small engine repair shop, particularly if the machine is under warranty.
- Add loads one at a time
- Check air and fuel filters
- Take it to a repair shop for internal work
Why does it run but give no power?
Check that the breaker on the generator itself has not tripped, that cords are in good condition and rated for the load, and that you are not using a damaged cord. Heavy loads such as motors need more starting power than they use when running, so know the ratings.
Do not wire a generator into a house or barn panel yourself and never plug it into a wall outlet, which can back-feed power lines and kill utility workers. A transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician is the safe method.
Size matters. Add up the running watts of what you plan to power, and remember motors like well pumps and freezers draw a surge when starting. Many owners do not realize their generator is too small until it trips or stalls, so check the ratings and make a priority list before the next outage.
- Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated cords
- Do not back-feed through an outlet
- Ask an electrician about a transfer switch
How do I handle fuel and storage safely?
Store fuel in approved containers in a ventilated place away from ignition sources and living areas. Let the engine cool before refueling, since spilled fuel on a hot engine can ignite. Rules on how much fuel you may store vary locally, so ask your fire department.
For longer storage, follow the maker's instructions on draining or treating fuel and keep the machine dry and covered when it is not running.
Keep a log of run hours, oil changes and any trouble. A generator that sits unused for years is more likely to fail when needed. Running it under load once in a while, as the manual advises, keeps parts moving and shows problems while you can still fix them calmly.
- Never refuel a hot or running engine
- Keep fuel away from the house
- Rotate stored fuel as the manual advises
How do I prepare before the next outage?
Test your generator regularly under load, change oil and filters on the maker's schedule, and keep a written start procedure with the machine. Decide in advance what you will power, such as well, freezer or heated waterers, and what you will skip.
Plan for the animals too: think about water and feed if the power is out for several days. FEMA's Ready site and your extension office offer outage planning guidance.
Key takeaways
- Run a generator only outdoors and away from buildings, and use carbon monoxide alarms.
- Stale fuel, low oil and clogged filters cause most start problems.
- Never back-feed through a wall outlet, and use a transfer switch installed by an electrician.
- Test and maintain the generator before you need it.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.