Why won’t the new powerstroke 5kW generator start

I went to test it out again, hoping elves would've fixed it while I was gone, but no such luck. As I was playing with the oil burner, I flicked on/off the emergency shutoff switch and got shocked. This led me to check the ground wires. The transfer station looked ok, so I went outside to check the power inlet. I was cautiously happy when I saw that the ground from the building wire had come loose due to some really shoddy workmanship. I reconnected and secured the ground and everything worked just fine after that :)

Thanks Tester and everyone else for all the assistance. It was greatly appreciated.

I would replace the spark plug and remove the air filter to make sure it isn't plugged up. Then, while the air filter is still removed, spray a little starting fluid into the carb through the hole under the air filter and start it up. If it runs for just a couple seconds and dies, that means the gas in your carb was probably bad. Starting it with the starting fluid a couple of times will work that out, and it should start running fine. Keep your face and other body parts away from the hole you spray the starting fluid into so you don't get burned by a backfire. Put the air filter back on after you get it running.

Other common fixes are pinched or clogged fuel lines or a clogged fuel filter, but if you're smelling gas, that probably isn't the problem.

You should also check that the spark arrester in the exhaust pipe isn't clogged up with carbon. Undo small bolt adjacent to exhaust pipe and remove insert. All small holes should be clear.