Craftsman 358350981 chainsaw Parts

For the Craftsman 358350981 gas chainsaw, we mix 2-cycle oil with gasoline at the ratio specified in the 358350981 owner's manual. In general, 50:1 is common for many newer 2-cycle engines, while 40:1 adds more oil for extra lubrication but can increase smoke and carbon buildup.

Quick mix chart (per 1 gallon of gas)

• 50:1: 2.6 oz 2-cycle oil
• 40:1: 3.2 oz 2-cycle oil
• Use fresh, clean gasoline and a quality 2-cycle oil labeled for air-cooled engines

Mix ratio	Oil per 1 gallon	Typical result
50:1	2.6 oz	Cleaner running, less smoke
40:1	3.2 oz	More lubrication, more smoke/carbon

How we recommend choosing the right ratio

• Follow the manual first; that ratio is what the carburetor and lubrication needs are designed around.
• If you are unsure what was used last, drain old fuel and remix so you start from a known ratio.
• Avoid “extra oil just in case” if the saw is tuned for 50:1; too much oil can foul the spark arrestor and affect performance.
• If the saw runs rough or loads up at idle, check the air filter and fuel quality; a dirty filter can mimic a rich mix. The ayp chainsaw air filter 575296301 is a common maintenance item.

Why it matters

The fuel mix ratio controls lubrication for the piston and crank bearings. Too little oil risks rapid wear; too much oil can cause heavy exhaust smoke, carbon deposits, and reduced power.

Related DIY help

If hard starting or rough running is part of the question, use tips for a hard to start chainsaw to walk through fuel, spark, and air checks in the right order.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. Craftsman gas chainsaws such as model 358350981 use a small in-tank fuel filter attached to the fuel line; it helps keep debris out of the carburetor so the saw starts easier and runs smoother. For the exact fuel-system layout, use the 358350981 owner's manual.

Where the fuel filter is and what it does

The fuel filter typically sits inside the fuel tank, on the end of the fuel line. As fuel is drawn to the carburetor, the filter screens out dirt and tank debris.

Common signs the fuel filter needs attention:

• Hard starting or only starts with choke
• Surging, bogging, or dying at idle
• Loss of power under load
• Runs better briefly after adding fresh fuel
• Fuel line looks brittle or contaminated

Quick check and replacement tips

Before replacing parts, work in a well-ventilated area and let the engine cool.

• Drain or run the fuel level low to reduce spills.
• Remove the fuel cap and use a clean hook tool to pull the fuel line and filter up from the tank.
• If the filter is dark, clogged, or the pickup feels restricted, replace it.
• Inspect the fuel cap seal; a leaking cap can mimic fuel issues. Consider the fuel tank cap 580940901 if the cap is cracked or won’t seal.
• If the fuel line grommet or fitting leaks, check the ayp chainsaw fuel line fitting 530023877.

What to replace based on symptoms

Symptom	Most likely cause	What we replace first
Won’t start, smells flooded	Over-choking, stale fuel, restricted filter	Fuel filter, fresh fuel mix
Starts then dies	Clogged filter or venting issue	Fuel filter, cap/vent check
Leaks fuel	Cap seal, line fitting, cracked line	Cap or fuel line fitting
Runs rough at all speeds	Fuel delivery or carburetor issue	Filter/lines, then carburetor

Why it matters

A clean fuel filter protects the carburetor and helps prevent lean running, which improves reliability and reduces the chance of stalling during cutting.

Related help: tips for a hard to start chainsaw.

Last updated: February 2026

To adjust your Craftsman chainsaw model 358350981, we focus on two common adjustments: chain tension (so the chain rides correctly on the guide bar) and carburetor tuning (so the engine idles and accelerates smoothly). Use the steps in the 358350981 owner's manual as your baseline, then fine-tune.

Adjust chain tension (most common “adjustment”)

1. Turn the saw off and let it cool; engage the chain brake.
2. Slightly loosen the bar nuts on the clutch cover.
3. Turn the chain tension screw until the chain is snug against the bar.
4. Lift the bar nose up and hold it there; recheck tension.
5. Tighten the bar nuts while still holding the bar nose up.

Quick checks that tell you it is right:

• Chain sits fully in the bar groove (no sag under the bar)
• You can pull the chain around the bar by hand with a gloved hand
• When you pull up on the chain at mid-bar, the drive links stay engaged in the groove
• Chain brake releases and re-engages smoothly

If the chain will not stay adjusted

These issues usually cause repeated loosening or binding:

• Worn chain or bar groove
• Loose clutch cover or damaged hardware
• Chain brake parts dragging
• Oil delivery problem causing overheating

If the brake mechanism is sticking or not releasing cleanly, inspect the ayp chainsaw chain brake assembly 530029850.

Carburetor adjustment (only if it runs rough or stalls)

Many Craftsman saws use L, H, and idle screws. A safe, practical approach:

• Set idle so the engine stays running but the chain does not move
• Adjust L for smooth acceleration (no bog)
• Adjust H for strong cutting power without screaming lean

If tuning does not respond, the carburetor or intake parts are usually the cause; see how to replace a chainsaw carburetor.

Typical targets (what “good” looks like)

What you are adjusting	Correct result	What to fix if it is wrong
Chain tension	Snug, no sag, still moves by hand	Re-tension; check bar/chain wear
Idle speed	Engine runs, chain stays still	Lower idle; check clutch drum
Low-speed mix (L)	Smooth throttle response	Clean air filter; check fuel lines

Why it matters

Correct adjustment prevents chain derailment, reduces kickback risk, and keeps the 2-cycle engine from running too lean (overheating) or too rich (fouling and stalling).

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman 358350981 is a gas-powered, 2-cycle chainsaw in the 42 cc class that’s commonly configured with an 18-inch bar and chain for homeowner cutting tasks like limbing and firewood. For the exact features and operating details for your unit, use the Craftsman 358350981 owner’s manual.

What this chainsaw is designed to do

We see this model used for typical residential cutting where you want a balance of power and maneuverability.

• Limbing and trimming medium branches
• Cutting firewood rounds and small logs
• Storm cleanup and general property maintenance
• Occasional felling of small trees (within your skill level)

Key specs you’ll see referenced (typical for this class)

Because chainsaws can be sold in multiple package configurations, confirm the exact bar/chain and fuel mix guidance in the manual.

Item	What it means	What to check on your saw
Engine size	42 cc class	Model tag and manual listing
Fuel type	2-cycle gas	Correct oil-to-gas mix ratio
Cutting setup	Often 18-inch bar and chain	Bar length stamp and chain markings
Safety features	Chain brake, throttle lockout	Function test before cutting

Parts that commonly come up for this model

If you’re identifying the saw or planning maintenance, these are frequent replacement items we stock for Craftsman 358350981.

• Chain 577180501 (match pitch and gauge to your bar)
• Ayp chainsaw air filter 575296301 (helps prevent hard starting and poor performance)
• Fuel tank cap 580940901 (helps stop fuel leaks and vapor loss)
• Ayp chainsaw carburetor 573952201 (common fix for running issues after fuel problems)

Why it matters

Knowing the exact model (358350981) helps you match the correct chain, fuel system parts, and tune-up items. That prevents fit issues and improves starting, cutting performance, and safety.

Last updated: February 2026