Is 40 1 or 50 1 better for chainsaws?
For the Craftsman chainsaw model 358360131, 40:1 is the better choice because the manual specifies using 40:1 2-cycle engine oil (air cooled); that ratio provides the lubrication this engine was designed to run on. Use fresh, properly mixed fuel to reduce hard-starting and premature wear.
What to use on model 358360131
We recommend following the fuel and oil guidance in the 358360131 owner's manual. For this saw, mix 40 parts gasoline to 1 part 2-cycle oil.
Quick mix reference (40:1):
- 1 gallon gasoline: 3.2 fl oz 2-cycle oil
- 1/2 gallon gasoline: 1.6 fl oz 2-cycle oil
- 1 quart gasoline: 0.8 fl oz 2-cycle oil
40:1 vs 50:1: what changes
Both ratios can run a 2-cycle engine, but they behave differently.
| Mix ratio | Oil amount | Typical result | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40:1 | More oil | Stronger lubrication, more smoke and deposits | Older designs, heavy cutting, hot conditions |
| 50:1 | Less oil | Cleaner burn, less smoke, less lubrication margin | Engines specifically rated for 50:1 |
Signs your mix is causing problems
If the saw runs poorly after changing mix ratio, check these common symptoms:
- Hard starting or only starts with choke
- Surging or “runs rough” at idle
- Loss of power under load
- Excessive smoke and oily residue at the muffler
- Spark plug fouling
For step-by-step help, use tips for a hard to start chainsaw.
Why it matters
The wrong gasoline-to-oil ratio can shorten engine life. Too little oil increases piston and cylinder wear; too much oil can foul the spark plug and carbon up the exhaust, which hurts performance.
Last updated: January 2026
How to look up chainsaw serial number?
On the Craftsman chainsaw model 358360131, the serial number is typically stamped into the engine area, most often on the motor housing or crankcase near the muffler. Once you find it, record it exactly as shown (letters, numbers, and any dashes).
Where to check on the saw
We recommend inspecting these common serial-number locations first:
- On a flat spot of the motor housing
- On the crankcase, near the muffler area
- Left or right side of the engine when looking down from the top
- Near the starter housing or cylinder cover area (close to where fasteners are grouped)
Quick steps to find it safely
Before handling the saw, follow basic safety and fuel precautions.
- Turn the engine off and let it cool completely
- Move to a well-lit area; wipe off oil and sawdust so the stamp is readable
- Look for a stamped or etched number (not a sticker) on a flat metal surface
- Write down the full serial number and take a clear photo for your records
- Use the serial number when ordering parts or checking the correct diagrams
What the serial number helps with
| What you need | Why the serial number matters |
|---|---|
| Correct replacement parts | Confirms production run details when parts vary |
| Service history | Helps a technician identify the exact unit |
| Documentation matching | Helps confirm you are using the right instructions |
Why it matters
Chainsaws can have small production changes over time. Having the serial number for your Craftsman 358360131 helps us match the right parts and avoid ordering a fuel system or chain brake component that looks similar but does not fit.
For additional model-specific identification and safety guidance, use the 358360131 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the model number on a chainsaw?
On the Craftsman chainsaw model 358360131, the model number is typically printed on the saw’s identification label or ID tag on the housing. If the label is dirty or oil-stained, cleaning it often makes the number readable again; confirm the exact format in the 358360131 owner's manual.
Common places to check on a gas chainsaw
We usually see the model/serial label in one of these spots:
- On the starter housing (recoil starter side)
- Near the rear handle or trigger area
- On the crankcase or engine housing near the muffler side
- Under the top cover (near the air filter/carburetor area)
- On the bottom of the saw body near the bar mount studs
Quick steps to find it fast
- Turn the saw off and let it cool completely.
- Wipe the housing with a rag; use a small brush to remove sawdust.
- Shine a flashlight across the label at an angle to make faint printing stand out.
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in; this often reveals worn characters.
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (for this saw it appears as 358.360131 in documentation).
What the label usually includes
| Label item | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts diagrams and parts lists |
| Serial number | Identifying production run details |
| Engine specs | Confirming correct tune-up and service parts |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number helps us match the right Craftsman chainsaw parts (like the correct bar, chain, fuel line, or carburetor) and prevents ordering a similar-looking part that will not fit.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 16 36cc chainsaw?
A Craftsman 16-inch, 36cc gas chainsaw is commonly identified as model 358.360360. If you are matching parts or specifications, confirm the exact model on the saw’s data plate; your Craftsman model 358360131 is a different saw (40cc with an 18-inch bar). See the 358360131 owner's manual for the model identification and specs.
How to confirm the model number on your saw
We recommend checking the model tag first, because Craftsman chainsaws in the 358 series can look similar.
- Look for a data plate on the starter housing, rear handle area, or near the fuel tank
- Match the full model number exactly (for example, 358360131 vs 358.360360)
- Use the bar length and engine size as a secondary check (not the primary one)
- If the tag is dirty, wipe it clean and use a flashlight to read stamped numbers
Quick spec comparison (to avoid ordering the wrong parts)
| Item | 16-inch 36cc Craftsman (common reference) | Craftsman 358360131 (this model page) |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 358.360360 | 358360131 |
| Engine size | 36cc | 40cc (2.4 cu. in.) |
| Bar length | 16 in. | 18 in. |
| Fuel type | 2-cycle gas mix | 2-cycle gas mix (40:1) |
Why it matters
The model number controls the correct fit for key parts like the carburetor, fuel lines, chain brake, and bar/chain. Even a small model-number difference can change the clutch, oil pump, or fuel system routing.
Parts examples for Craftsman 358360131
If you are servicing this specific saw, these are common part types you may need:
- Carburetor 545081885 (fuel metering and starting)
- Ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 (fuel delivery)
- Primer bulb 530071835 (priming fuel for starting)
Last updated: January 2026





