Owner’s manual
Is 40 1 or 50 1 better for chainsaws?
For the Craftsman 358350820 gas chainsaw, 40:1 is the correct fuel mix because the owner’s manual specifies mixing 3.2 oz of quality synthetic 2-cycle (air-cooled) oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline. Use 50:1 only if your manual for a different saw explicitly calls for it; otherwise you risk engine damage.
What to use for model 358350820
Follow the fuel-mix directions in the 358350820 owner's manual. Key points:
- Mix unleaded gasoline with synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil
- Use a 40:1 ratio (more oil than 50:1)
- Measure accurately: 3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas
- Shake the fuel container to fully blend the mix
- Do not use automotive oil or marine (boat) oil
Quick mix chart (common batch sizes)
| Gasoline amount | 40:1 oil needed | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz | Manual-specified mix for this model |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz | Useful for small batches |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz | Good for test runs after service |
Why 40:1 vs 50:1 matters
Two-stroke chainsaw engines rely on oil in the fuel for lubrication. If you run lean on oil (for example, 50:1 in a saw designed for 40:1), you increase the chance of:
- Scored piston and cylinder
- Overheating under load
- Premature crankshaft bearing wear
- Hard starting and poor performance over time
Related tip: bar oil is separate
Fuel mix lubricates the engine; bar and chain oil lubricates the chain and guide bar. For this Craftsman saw, we recommend filling bar oil every time you fill the fuel tank (as described in the manual).
If your saw is hard to start after fueling, use the troubleshooting steps in tips for a hard to start chainsaw.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of gas goes into a Craftsman chainsaw?
Your Craftsman 358350820 gas chainsaw uses unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. For this model, the correct fuel is a 40:1 mix (3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gas); never run straight gasoline.
Correct fuel and oil mix for Craftsman 358350820
Use this every time you refuel:
- Gas type: unleaded gasoline
- Oil type: 2-cycle oil for air-cooled engines (chainsaw-rated)
- Mix ratio: 40:1
- Mix amount: 3.2 oz oil to 1 gallon gas
- Do not use: automotive oil or marine (boat) oil
For the exact fueling steps and safety rules, follow the owner's manual.
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 |
Fueling tips that prevent hard-start problems
- Mix fuel in an approved fuel container, not in the saw’s tank.
- Add oil, then gasoline; cap and shake to fully blend.
- Use fresh fuel; old mix commonly causes rough running and no-start.
- Tighten the fuel cap securely and wipe up spills before starting.
- If you smell fuel or see wet spots, inspect for cracked lines and fittings.
If you find fuel line damage or leaks, common replacements include the poulan lawn & garden equipment fuel line, small 530069247 and the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216.
Why it matters
A 2-cycle engine gets its lubrication from the oil mixed into the gasoline. The correct 40:1 mix prevents overheating, poor performance, and internal engine wear.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 16 36cc chainsaw?
A “Craftsman 16-inch 36cc” description is not a single universal model number; Craftsman used many 358-series chainsaw models with different engine sizes and bar lengths. The sure match comes from the model tag on your saw; use the 358350820 owner's manual as a reference for where model identification appears.
How to find the correct model number (fast)
Look for a data plate or decal and copy the full number exactly (including dots).
- Starter housing or recoil cover area
- Rear handle or fuel tank housing
- Near the bar studs and clutch cover area
- On the original manual cover or parts list (if you still have it)
- On the carton or carrying case label (if present)
What we can confirm for model 358350820
The Craftsman chainsaw model on this page is 358350820. The manual for this model lists it as a 2-cycle gasoline chain saw with an 18-inch bar and a 2.6 cu. in. (42cc) engine.
| Spec (from manual) | Craftsman 358350820 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.6 cu. in. (42cc), 2-cycle |
| Bar length | 18 in. |
| Fuel mix | 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 gal gas) |
Why it matters for parts and repairs
Bar and chain fit, carburetor settings, and fuel line routing change by model. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong chain, guide bar, or fuel system parts.
If your saw is 358350820 and you are troubleshooting fuel delivery or priming, these model-listed parts are common starting points:
Last updated: February 2026
