Craftsman 358350601 chainsaw Parts

On Craftsman model 358350601, the most common “adjustment” is chain tension. Set tension so the chain sits snug in the guide bar groove, rotates freely by hand, and has no sag under the bar; then fully tighten the bar (chain brake) nuts per the steps in the 358350601 owner's manual.

Chain tension adjustment steps (bar and chain)

• Shut the engine off and let the saw cool; engage the chain brake.
• Loosen the chain brake nuts until they are finger-tight.
• Turn the adjusting screw clockwise until the chain contacts the bottom of the guide bar rail.
• Roll the chain around the bar to confirm all links sit in the bar groove.
• Lift the bar tip and remove sag by turning the adjusting screw until sag is gone.
• Keep the bar tip lifted and tighten the chain brake nuts securely.
• Recheck: the chain should rotate freely; if it will not rotate, back off tension slightly.

Quick “too tight vs too loose” check

What you see	What it means	What to do
Chain will not rotate by hand	Too tight	Loosen nuts slightly, turn adjuster counterclockwise, retighten
Chain sags below the guide bar	Too loose	Tighten adjuster clockwise until sag is gone
Chain rotates freely and stays seated	Correct	Tighten nuts fully and recheck after a short run

Why it matters

Chain tension changes as the chain warms and stretches, especially during the first few uses. Running with a loose chain can let it jump off the guide bar; running too tight accelerates wear on the bar, chain, and clutch.

Helpful tips for best results

• Check tension every time you refuel.
• Adjust with the bar tip lifted; it prevents ending up too loose after tightening.
• If the chain keeps loosening quickly, inspect the bar groove and drive links for wear and consider replacing the chain (for this model, see chain 91PX062G) or bar (see chainsaw bar, 18-in 180SDET041).

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman 358350601 is a 42cc (2.6 cu. in.) 2-cycle gasoline chainsaw designed for occasional use with an 18-inch guide bar. It comes fully assembled and is built for cutting and limbing with a fuel-and-oil mix plus a separate bar-and-chain oiling system (details in the 358350601 owner's manual).

Key features and what they mean

• 42cc 2-cycle engine: Uses a gasoline and 2-cycle oil mixture for lubrication.
• 18-inch bar setup: A common homeowner size for storm cleanup and firewood cutting.
• Automatic bar oiling: Oil output is metered during operation to lubricate the chain.
• Factory-tested carburetor: It is normal to notice a fuel smell or a small residue when new/unpacked.
• Occasional-use rating: Best for periodic yard work rather than daily commercial cutting.

Fuel and bar oil basics (quick reference)

Use the correct fuel mix and always keep bar oil filled to protect the engine, bar, and chain.

What you fill	What to use	Practical tip
Fuel tank	Unleaded gas mixed 40:1 with synthetic air-cooled 2-cycle oil	3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas makes 40:1
Bar oil tank	Chainsaw bar oil (SAE 30 acceptable short-term)	Fill bar oil every time you fill fuel

Common “what is it used for?” tasks

• Limbing and bucking downed branches
• Cutting small to medium logs (within safe bar reach)
• Property cleanup after storms
• Firewood cutting (with sharp chain and proper technique)

Why it matters

Knowing this is a 42cc, 2-cycle, 18-inch Craftsman saw helps you choose the right consumables (40:1 mix, bar oil) and the right wear parts (bar and chain size). Using the correct fuel mix and keeping the oiler supplied prevents hard starting, poor performance, and premature bar and chain wear.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 358350601 gas chainsaw, we use a 40:1 fuel mix: 3.2 ounces of quality synthetic 2-cycle (air-cooled) oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline. Mix it in an approved fuel container and shake to fully blend before fueling (see the 358350601 owner's manual).

Quick mix chart (40:1)

Gasoline	2-cycle oil (air-cooled)
1 gallon	3.2 oz
1/2 gallon	1.6 oz
1 quart	0.8 oz

How we recommend mixing fuel

• Use fresh, unleaded gasoline in a clean, approved fuel can.
• Add the measured 2-cycle oil first, then add gasoline.
• Cap the container and shake briefly to blend.
• Fill the saw outdoors; remove the fuel cap slowly.
• Mix only what you will use soon; old fuel causes hard starting and rough running.

What to avoid

Using the wrong oil can damage a 2-cycle engine. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Automotive (4-cycle) engine oil
• Marine or boat 2-cycle oil
• Guessing the ratio or “eyeballing” the oil

Why it matters

A correct 40:1 mix keeps the engine properly lubricated. Too little oil can score the cylinder and piston; too much oil can foul the spark plug and make the chainsaw smoke and run poorly.

If your saw is hard to start after fueling, follow the steps in tips for a hard to start chainsaw to check fuel freshness, priming, and basic starting technique.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 358350601 gas chainsaw, we use unleaded gasoline mixed with synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon of gas). This saw does not run on straight gas; it requires a properly mixed fuel blend.

Fuel type and mix ratio (what to use)

Use this mix every time you refuel:

• Gas: fresh unleaded gasoline
• Oil: synthetic 2-cycle oil labeled for air-cooled engines
• Mix ratio: 40:1
• Mix amount: 3.2 oz oil to 1 gallon gas
• Avoid: automotive oil and boat (marine) oil (these can damage the engine)

What you’re adding	Correct choice	Notes
Gasoline	Unleaded gas	Use fresh fuel for easier starting
2-cycle oil	Synthetic, air-cooled 2-cycle oil	Measure accurately
Mix ratio	40:1	3.2 oz per 1 gallon

How to mix fuel (quick steps)

• Start with an approved fuel container.
• Add the measured 2-cycle oil first.
• Add unleaded gasoline.
• Cap and shake briefly to fully blend.
• Fill the saw’s fuel tank; tighten the cap securely.

Why it matters

A 2-cycle Craftsman chainsaw like model 358350601 relies on oil mixed into the fuel for internal lubrication. Running straight gas or using the wrong oil type leads to rapid wear, overheating, and hard-start or no-start problems.

Related maintenance tip (easy to overlook)

When you fuel up, also top off bar and chain oil so the chain and guide bar stay lubricated. The manual recommends filling the bar oil tank whenever you fill the fuel tank.

For the exact fueling and safety notes for your saw, follow the 358350601 owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman 358350601 gas chainsaw, the fuel filter sits inside the fuel tank, attached to the end of the fuel line. You access it by removing the fuel cap and retainer, then pulling the filter and line up through the tank opening (the manual notes it can rattle in an empty tank).

How to find it (quick steps)

• Turn the saw off and let it cool completely.
• Disconnect the spark plug boot before maintenance.
• Remove the fuel cap (and the connected retainer).
• Look into the fuel tank; the filter is on the end of the fuel line.
• Use a clean hooked wire or long needle-nose pliers to gently pull the filter up.
• If you are replacing it, pull the filter off the line, install the new one, and reassemble.

What you should see in the tank

Item	Where it is	What it does
Fuel line	Runs into the tank	Carries fuel to the carburetor
Fuel filter	On the end of the fuel line in the tank	Screens debris so the carburetor does not clog
Fuel cap and retainer	At the tank opening	Seals the tank and keeps the cap tethered

Why it matters

A clogged or loose fuel filter can restrict fuel flow and cause hard starting, rough running, or stalling. Keeping the filter seated on the fuel line and clean helps protect the carburetor and keeps your 2-cycle engine running consistently.

Helpful references for this model

• For the exact procedure and safety notes, follow the 358350601 owner's manual.
• If the saw is hard to start after fueling, use our tips for a hard to start chainsaw checklist to narrow down fuel, spark plug, and carburetion issues.

Last updated: February 2026