Owner’s manual
What is the fuel mix for a Craftsman gas trimmer?
For the Craftsman gas line trimmer model 316711470, we use a 40:1 fuel mix, meaning 40 parts fresh unleaded gasoline to 1 part 2-cycle engine oil. This ratio helps the engine lubricate properly and prevents hard starting, smoking, and premature wear (check the 316711470 operator's manual for the exact fuel and oil guidance).
How to mix 40:1 correctly
- Use fresh unleaded gasoline (stale fuel causes starting and running problems).
- Use 2-cycle engine oil intended for air-cooled 2-stroke engines.
- Mix fuel in an approved gas can, not in the trimmer fuel tank.
- Shake the container to blend, then re-shake before refueling.
- Only mix what you will use in 30 days or less.
Quick mix chart (40:1)
| Gasoline amount | 2-cycle oil needed |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 fl oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 fl oz |
| 1 quart | 0.8 fl oz |
If the trimmer runs poorly after mixing fuel
A wrong ratio or contaminated fuel often shows up as bogging, surging, or stalling. Check these common items:
- Old fuel or water in the fuel can
- Dirty air filter (consider replacing the mtd line trimmer air filter 753-06417)
- Clogged carburetor passages (the mtd line trimmer carburetor 753-06190 is a common fix when cleaning does not help)
- Cracked fuel tank or leaking fuel lines (inspect the mtd line trimmer fuel tank assembly 753-06183)
- Spark plug fouling from an overly rich oil mix
Why it matters
A 2-cycle Craftsman trimmer like model 316711470 relies on the oil mixed into the gasoline for lubrication. Too little oil increases friction and heat; too much oil increases smoke and carbon buildup, which can reduce power and make starting harder.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace trimmer line on your Craftsman 316711470 gas line trimmer, we remove the spool, wind new line in the correct direction without overlapping, then reinstall the spool and feed the line through the eyelets. Neat, even wraps prevent tangles and feeding problems.
Before you start
- Shut the engine off and let the muffler cool completely.
- Disconnect the spark plug boot so the trimmer cannot start accidentally.
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Clean grass and debris off the cutting head so parts seat correctly.
How to reload the line (most bump-feed heads)
- Remove the bump knob or retainer that holds the spool in the head.
- Lift out the spool and note how the line routes through the eyelets.
- Cut a fresh length of trimmer line (most heads use about 10 to 20 feet total).
- Anchor the line in the spool slot or hole (if your spool has one).
- Wind the line tightly in the direction shown on the spool; keep wraps side-by-side with no overlapping.
- Feed the line ends through the eyelets and reinstall the spool.
- Reinstall the bump knob/retainer, then pull both line ends evenly to set the line.
Quick checks if the line keeps tangling or will not feed
- Line is wound the wrong direction; rewind following the arrow on the spool.
- Wraps are loose or crossed; rewind with firm tension and even layers.
- Line diameter is too large; use the size listed in the 316711470 owner's manual.
- Spool spring is missing or binding; inspect the head components.
- Spool is cracked or worn; replace the spool if it will not hold tension.
Parts that commonly affect line feeding
| Symptom | Most common cause | What to inspect/replace |
|---|---|---|
| Line will not advance | Worn or damaged spool | Line trimmer spool 753-1155 |
| Line feeds unevenly | Spool not seated, line crossed | Reinstall and rewind neatly |
| Head will not stay together | Retainer/clip issue | Retainer and clip condition |
Why it matters
Correct winding and the right line size help the bump-feed mechanism work smoothly, reduce vibration, and prevent premature wear on the spool and eyelets.
Last updated: February 2026
Why does my Craftsman trimmer die when I give gas?
When your Craftsman gas line trimmer model 316711470 dies as you squeeze the throttle, the engine is usually running too rich or starving for fuel under load. The most common fixes are servicing the air filter, checking fuel delivery, and cleaning or replacing the carburetor; use the 316711470 owner's manual for the correct adjustment and service steps.
Quick checks that fix most “dies when I give gas” problems
- Replace a dirty air filter; a restricted filter can make the engine bog and stall (a common cause on this model’s style of trimmer).
- Drain old fuel and refill with fresh, properly mixed fuel (2-cycle mix if your engine requires it).
- Inspect the fuel lines and fuel tank venting; a blocked vent can cause fuel starvation as RPM rises.
- Check the spark arrestor screen in the muffler for carbon buildup.
- Verify the throttle cable moves the carburetor linkage smoothly without sticking.
Parts that commonly solve the issue
If basic cleaning does not help, these model-compatible parts are the usual next step:
| Symptom when throttling up | Most likely area | Part to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Bogs, then stalls | Air restriction | Mtd line trimmer air filter 753-06417 |
| Starts, idles, but dies on acceleration | Fuel metering | Mtd line trimmer carburetor 753-06190 |
| Runs briefly, then quits like it ran out of gas | Fuel supply/venting | Mtd line trimmer fuel tank assembly 753-06183 |
Step-by-step troubleshooting order (fastest to slowest)
- Air filter first: remove and inspect; if it is dark, oily, or crumbling, replace it.
- Fuel next: dump old fuel, clean the tank if debris is present, and refill with fresh mix.
- Muffler screen: clean the spark arrestor screen if exhaust seems restricted.
- Carburetor: if it still dies on throttle, clean the carburetor passages or replace the carburetor.
Why it matters
A trimmer that stalls on acceleration usually has the wrong air-fuel balance. Fixing the restriction or fuel delivery problem restores power, prevents plug fouling, and reduces hard-starting after warm-up.
Last updated: February 2026
What size string does a Craftsman V20 use?
The Craftsman V20 line size depends on the exact V20 trimmer model and cutting head; most V20 heads are designed for light to medium trimming and use a smaller diameter line. For the correct diameter and winding directions, use the line size printed on the spool cap or confirm in the 316711470 owner's manual if you are working on Craftsman model 316711470 (gas).
How to identify the correct line size on your trimmer
The fastest way to get the right answer is to read the specification stamped or printed on the cutting head components.
- Look on the spool cap, guard label, or spool for the line diameter marking
- Match the line diameter exactly; oversized line causes poor feed and frequent jams
- Use round nylon line for the most consistent bump-feed performance
- Replace old, brittle line; it breaks early and feeds poorly
- If the head is worn or won’t advance line, inspect the bump-feed parts
Common line diameter ranges (what you’ll typically see)
These are the most common diameters used on consumer string trimmers; your head will specify which one fits.
| Line diameter | Typical use | What changes as line gets thicker |
|---|---|---|
| 0.065 in | Light grass, edging | Easier feed, less load on the drive system |
| 0.080 in | Heavier grass, weeds | More cutting power, more load, can reduce feed reliability if not specified |
If your trimmer is Craftsman 316711470 (gas model)
This Sears PartsDirect model page is for Craftsman model 316711470, which is a gas line trimmer (not a V20 cordless model). If line won’t feed or the head won’t stay together, these head-related parts are commonly involved:
- Line trimmer spool retainer clip 791-610660 (retains the spool in the head)
- Mtd line trimmer bump feed knob 791-153066B (bump button that helps advance line)
Why it matters
Using the specified line diameter prevents constant breakage, reduces bump-feed problems, and helps protect the spool, flexible drive shaft, and clutch from unnecessary strain.
Last updated: February 2026
