Owner’s manual
Is 40 1 or 50 1 better for chainsaws?
For the Craftsman 358351380 gas chainsaw, 40:1 is the correct fuel mix; it provides the lubrication this engine is designed for (3.2 oz of 2-cycle air-cooled oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gas). Using 50:1 runs less oil than specified and can increase wear.
What to use for the Craftsman 358351380
Follow the fuel-mix directions in the 358351380 owner's manual. For this model, we recommend:
- Mix unleaded gasoline with 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil
- Use a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas)
- Do not use automotive oil or marine (boat) oil
- Shake the fuel container after adding oil so the mix is fully blended
40:1 vs 50:1 at a glance
| Mix ratio | Oil per 1 gallon gas | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 40:1 | 3.2 oz | More lubrication; matches this Craftsman engine spec |
| 50:1 | 2.6 oz | Less lubrication; can increase friction and wear if the saw calls for 40:1 |
Why it matters
The mix ratio controls lubrication for the piston, cylinder, crank bearings, and carburetor-side sealing surfaces. Too little oil can shorten engine life; too much oil can increase smoke and carbon buildup, but the right ratio for this model is still 40:1.
Tips that prevent fuel-related problems
- Use fresh, properly mixed fuel; do not store mixed fuel from one season to the next
- Avoid alcohol-blended fuel sitting in the tank for long periods; moisture and acids can form during storage
- For storage of 30 days or longer, drain the tank and run the engine until the fuel system is empty
- If you need to replace cracked or leaking lines, use the correct size fuel line such as ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216
Last updated: February 2026
What is the L and H on a Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman 358351380 chainsaw, L and H are the carburetor mixture adjustment screws: L controls the low-speed (idle to midrange) fuel mixture, and H controls the high-speed (wide-open throttle) fuel mixture. These settings affect starting, acceleration, and top-end power.
What each screw does
- L (low-speed mixture): Fine-tunes how the engine runs from idle through acceleration.
- H (high-speed mixture): Fine-tunes fuel delivery at full throttle under load.
- Idle speed screw (often marked T or S): Sets idle RPM; it does not change the fuel mixture.
Safe, practical adjustment tips
Carburetor adjustments are a maintenance procedure; we recommend following the exact procedure and safety steps in the 358351380 operator’s manual.
- Start with the saw warmed up so adjustments are meaningful.
- Adjust in small steps (about 1/8 turn at a time), then re-test.
- If it bogs or dies on acceleration, the L circuit is usually too lean.
- If it screams at full throttle or lacks power under load, the H circuit is often too lean.
- If the chain turns at idle, lower idle speed using the idle screw until the chain stops.
Quick symptom guide
| What you notice | Most likely adjustment area | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Hard starting, poor idle | L and idle speed | Low-speed mixture and idle RPM |
| Hesitation when you squeeze throttle | L | Transition from idle to power |
| Weak power at full throttle | H | High-speed mixture |
| Chain moves at idle | Idle speed screw | Idle RPM only |
Why it matters
Correct L and H settings help your 2-cycle engine maintain the right air-fuel mixture for reliable starting, smooth cutting power, and better engine life. If the saw still runs rough after tuning, fuel delivery issues like cracked lines are common; the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 is one of the model-matched parts we see replaced often.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of gas goes into a Craftsman chainsaw?
For the Craftsman 358351380 gas chainsaw, we use unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gas). We also fill the bar-and-chain oil tank every time we fuel the saw (see the 358351380 operator's manual).
Fuel mix you should use
- Use fresh unleaded gasoline.
- Mix with 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil (Craftsman oil is recommended in the manual).
- Mix ratio: 40:1.
- Mix thoroughly by shaking the approved fuel container after adding oil.
- Do not use automotive oil or marine (boat) 2-cycle oil; those can damage the engine.
Quick mix chart (40:1)
| Gasoline amount | 2-cycle oil to add |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz |
Bar-and-chain oil matters too
Your 358351380 uses a separate bar oil tank to lubricate the chain and guide bar. For best wear life, we recommend chainsaw bar oil; if it is not available, a good grade SAE 30 oil works as a temporary substitute.
- Bar oil tank capacity is about 6.8 fl oz
- Plan on using about 1 tank of bar oil per 1 tank of fuel mix
- Always top off bar oil when you refuel
Why it matters
Correct 40:1 fuel mix protects the 2-cycle engine from scoring and overheating, and proper bar-and-chain oiling reduces chain stretch, bar wear, and cutting friction. If the saw runs rough or is hard to start after fueling, stale fuel or an air leak in the fuel system is a common cause.
If fueling problems show up
| Symptom | Common cause | What we check first |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Old fuel, wrong mix | Drain and refill with fresh 40:1 mix |
| Starts then dies | Fuel delivery issue | Inspect fuel line and tank vent |
| Runs rough | Lean condition, dirty carb | Check fuel line, then carb gaskets |
If you find cracked or soft fuel tubing, the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 is a common replacement part for this model.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman chainsaws now?
Craftsman chainsaws are built by different manufacturers depending on the model and production era, not by a single company across all years. For the Craftsman 358351380 (42cc, 18-inch bar), the best way to confirm the original manufacturer and exact specifications is to match the model and service information in the 358351380 operator’s manual.
What “Craftsman” means for chainsaw manufacturing
Craftsman is a brand; the actual chainsaw can be produced by an outside manufacturer under contract. That is why two Craftsman gas chainsaws from different years can use different engine families, carburetor designs, and parts.
Common outcomes you will see:
- Older models were often produced by established outdoor power equipment makers.
- Newer models may be produced by different partners than older models.
- Parts compatibility is model-specific; always match by model number and part ID.
How we recommend confirming who made your specific saw
Use the model number and the manual to identify the platform and service details.
Checklist:
- Confirm the model number is 358351380 on the product label.
- Compare the engine size and bar length listed in the manual (42cc, 18-inch bar).
- Use the parts diagrams and parts list to match components before ordering.
- If you are troubleshooting fuel issues, verify the fuel mix and oiling guidance in the manual.
Quick model identifiers (from the manual)
| Item | What to look for | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2-cycle, 42cc (2.6 cu. in.) | Narrows the engine family |
| Bar length | 18-inch bar | Narrows bar and chain fit |
| Fuel mix | 40:1 gas to 2-cycle oil | Confirms operating spec |
| Bar oil tank | Fill when fueling | Confirms oiler system type |
Why it matters when ordering parts
Manufacturer differences change the exact fit of key items like the carburetor, fuel lines, ignition, and clutch. For example, if you are repairing a fuel delivery problem on this model, matching the correct fuel line by part ID avoids leaks and hard-start symptoms; see the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find model number on Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman gas chainsaw model 358351380, the model number is typically printed on a data label attached to the saw body, most often on the motor housing area. Once you find it, copy every digit exactly so we can match the correct parts list and manual.
Common places to check on the saw
Look for a sticker or metal tag in these spots:
- Side of the engine/motor housing (near the starter cover)
- Rear handle area (back side of the saw)
- Bottom of the saw body (underside near the crankcase)
- Near the fuel tank or oil tank area
- Around the bar mount area (behind the clutch cover)
What the model number should look like
For this Craftsman saw, the operator manual lists the model in a format like 358.351380 (sometimes shown with a dot). On parts pages and labels, it may appear without the dot as 358351380.
| Where you see it | Example format | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Data label on saw | 358.351380 | Copy exactly as printed |
| Parts lookup / ordering | 358351380 | Enter digits only if the form requires it |
Why it matters
Craftsman chainsaws often share similar housings across multiple models, but parts like the fuel system, ignition, and bar and chain setup can differ. Using the exact model number helps us match the correct diagrams and parts, such as the fuel tank cap 580940901 or the chainsaw bar, 18-in 180SDET041.
Quick tips when the label is hard to read
- Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth; avoid harsh solvents
- Use a flashlight at an angle to make faded printing easier to see
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to confirm each digit
For model-specific identification details and the official model listing, use the 358351380 operator's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the Craftsman 358351380 42 cc 2 cycle gas 18 chainsaw?
The Craftsman 358351380 is a 42cc (2.6 cu. in.) 2-cycle gasoline chainsaw that uses an 18-inch guide bar. It ships as a fully assembled saw and is designed for general cutting tasks with standard operator controls and routine maintenance outlined in the 358351380 operator's manual.
Key specs and what they mean
- Engine size: 42cc (2.6 cu. in.) 2-cycle
- Bar length: 18 in.
- Fuel type: gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil (mix ratio and fueling steps are in the manual)
- Assembly: factory assembled (no initial assembly required)
- Category: gas chainsaw (Craftsman)
What typically comes in the carton
The manual lists these common included items for model 358.351380:
- Chain saw (fully assembled)
- Bar tool
- Gloves
- Gas can
- Bar and chain lube
- 2-cycle engine oil
Common parts owners replace
If you are maintaining or repairing a Craftsman 358351380, these are frequent wear or service items:
| Part | What it affects | Common symptom when worn |
|---|---|---|
| Chain 91PX062G | Cutting performance | Slow cutting, crooked cuts, excessive vibration |
| Chainsaw bar, 18-in 180SDET041 | Chain tracking and stability | Chain derails, uneven wear, poor oiling at bar tip |
| Chainsaw oil pump 530071259 | Bar and chain lubrication | Chain runs dry, bar overheats, rapid chain wear |
| Fuel tank cap 580940901 | Fuel system sealing | Fuel smell, seepage, hard starting |
Why it matters
Matching the correct bar, chain, and fuel system parts to model 358351380 helps the saw cut safely and consistently. Using the right fuel mix and keeping the chain lubricated also reduces premature wear on the clutch, bar, and engine.
Last updated: February 2026
