Is a chainsaw 2 stroke or 4 stroke?
The Craftsman chainsaw model 358350202 uses a 2-stroke engine (2-cycle), which runs on a gasoline and 2-cycle oil mixture rather than straight gas like many 4-stroke engines.
- It uses mixed fuel (gasoline plus 2-cycle oil), not a separate oil crankcase.
- It has a fuel tank and a separate bar and chain oil tank (for chain lubrication).
- It is designed to run at high RPM for cutting; idle speed must be set so the chain does not move.
- Starting and stopping procedures reference a simple ON/STOP control and carburetor mixture adjustments typical of 2-stroke saws.
For model-specific fuel and operating details, follow the 358350202 owner's manual.
2-stroke engines are common in handheld outdoor power equipment because they deliver strong power for their size and can run in different cutting positions without relying on an oil sump.
| Feature | 2-stroke chainsaw (like 358350202) | 4-stroke chainsaw |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Gas mixed with 2-cycle oil | Straight gas |
| Engine oil | No separate crankcase oil | Separate engine oil |
| Typical weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Maintenance focus | Fuel quality, carb tuning, air filter | Oil changes, valve train (varies) |
If your saw is hard to start or runs rough, these items commonly matter on 2-stroke models:
- Clean or replace the air filter 545057701 to prevent a rich fuel condition.
- Replace a restricted in-tank fuel filter (common cause of lean running).
- Refresh old fuel and use the correct mix ratio from the manual.
- Service the carburetor if it hesitates, dies in the cut, or will not idle correctly.
For step-by-step troubleshooting, use tips for a hard to start chainsaw.
Using the wrong fuel type is one of the fastest ways to create no-start, poor acceleration, and cutting power problems on a 2-stroke chainsaw. Correct fuel mix and airflow (air filter) keep the carburetor metering stable and the chain speed consistent.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the Craftsman 358350202 42 cc 2 cycle gas 18 chainsaw?
The Craftsman 358350202 is a 2-cycle gasoline chainsaw that the manual identifies as a 2.8 cu. in. (46cc) model with a 20-inch bar. It is designed for typical homeowner cutting tasks and includes key safety, operation, maintenance, and parts information in the Craftsman 358350202 owner's manual.
Use these details to confirm you are looking at the correct saw and the correct parts list.
- Brand: Craftsman
- Model number: 358350202
- Engine type: 2-cycle gasoline
- Displacement: 2.8 cu. in. (46cc)
- Bar length shown in manual: 20 in.
The manual lists these items as included with Model 358350202:
- Chain saw (fully assembled)
- Bar tool
- 2-cycle engine oil
- Carrying case
| Item | Craftsman 358350202 (manual) | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2-cycle gas | Uses mixed fuel (gas + 2-cycle oil) |
| Displacement | 2.8 cu. in. (46cc) | Power class for medium-duty cutting |
| Bar length | 20 in. | Match chain and bar parts to this size |
Getting the exact model right (358350202) is the fastest way to order the correct wear items and tune-up parts, such as an air filter 545057701 and fuel system components. It also ensures you follow the correct safety and maintenance procedures for this specific saw.
For common operating questions and maintenance basics, we recommend:
Last updated: February 2026
What is the fuel mix for a 2 cycle chainsaw?
For the Craftsman gas chainsaw model 358350202, mix unleaded gasoline with synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at 40:1. That equals 3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of gas. Follow the fueling directions in the 358350202 owner’s manual.
| Gasoline amount | 2-cycle oil to add |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz |
- Use an approved fuel container (not the saw’s tank) for mixing.
- Add about half the gasoline first.
- Measure and add the correct amount of 2-cycle oil.
- Add the remaining gasoline.
- Cap and shake briefly to fully blend.
- Fill the saw; tighten the fuel cap securely.
- Do use synthetic 2-cycle oil for air-cooled engines.
- Do use fresh fuel mix (old fuel causes hard starting and rough running).
- Do not use automotive oil.
- Do not use boat (marine) oil.
- Do not guess the ratio; measure the oil.
A correct 40:1 mix keeps the 2-cycle engine properly lubricated. Too little oil can damage the engine; too much oil can foul the spark plug and make the saw smoke and run poorly.
If your saw is difficult to start after mixing fresh fuel, use tips for a hard to start chainsaw to narrow down common causes like stale fuel, a dirty air filter, or fuel delivery issues.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the fuel filter in a Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman 358350202 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 carefully pulling the fuel line and filter up through the tank opening (see the 358350202 owner's manual).
- Shut the engine off and let it cool completely.
- Move the saw to a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources.
- Remove the fuel cap slowly to relieve pressure.
- Look into the fuel tank for the fuel line; the filter is on the end of that line.
- Use a clean bent wire hook or long needle-nose pliers to gently lift the line and filter out.
- Push the filter back into the tank when finished so it can move freely.
The manual notes it is normal to hear the fuel filter rattle in an empty fuel tank. That sound is typically the filter moving on the fuel line as you tilt the saw.
| If you see this | What it usually means | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Filter looks dark, gummy, or clogged | Restricted fuel flow | Replace the filter (use the correct part for your model) |
| Fuel line is stiff or cracked | Air leak or fuel leak risk | Replace fuel lines and filter together |
| Saw starts then dies on throttle | Fuel starvation under load | Check filter first, then carburetor settings |
If you are already servicing the fuel system, the Craftsman lawn & garden equipment engine fuel filter 530095646 is a common maintenance item for this model.
A partially clogged in-tank fuel filter can make a chainsaw hard to start, cause surging, or make it stall when you squeeze the trigger. Keeping the filter clean helps protect the carburetor and keeps the 2-cycle engine running consistently.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find model number on Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman chainsaw model 358350202, the model number is printed on the product identification label attached to the saw body (typically on the engine housing or main casing). Match the label exactly, including all digits, before ordering parts or using the 358350202 owner's manual.
Look for a sticker or metal tag on a flat surface that is easy to read:
- Side of the engine/motor housing (near the starter cover)
- Rear handle area or near the trigger housing
- Bottom of the main casing (underside)
- Near the bar mount area (close to the clutch cover)
- Inside the top cover area (near the air filter cover on some units)
For this model, the manual identifies it as Model No. 358.350202 (the same model number, sometimes shown with a dot). Use the digits as 358350202 when searching parts.
| You see on the label/manual | Use when searching parts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 358.350202 | 358350202 | Dot is formatting only |
| Model No. 358350202 | 358350202 | Exact match is best |
The model number ties your chainsaw to the correct parts list and diagrams. That prevents ordering the wrong items, especially for fit-critical parts like the air filter 545057701 or ignition components.
- Wipe off oil and sawdust so every digit is readable
- Copy the full number exactly as shown
- If the label is worn, compare what you can read to the model format shown in the 358350202 owner's manual
Last updated: February 2026
Will an Oregon chain fit a Craftsman chainsaw?
Yes, an Oregon chain can fit a Craftsman chainsaw, but only when the chain’s pitch, gauge, and drive link count match your specific saw setup. For Craftsman model 358350202, confirm the exact chain specs in the 358350202 owner's manual before you buy.
To ensure proper fit and safe cutting, match these items exactly:
- Pitch (for example, 3/8 in. low profile vs standard 3/8 in.)
- Gauge (common gauges include .050 in., .058 in., .063 in.)
- Drive link count (must match your guide bar length and sprocket setup)
- Bar length (this model is commonly equipped with a 20-in. bar)
- Chain type (anti-kickback/low-kickback is a good choice for homeowner use)
If any one of these is off, the chain can ride incorrectly on the bar, cut poorly, or increase kickback risk.
Use this checklist before ordering:
- Look for the bar stamp (often lists pitch and gauge)
- Check the chain packaging for pitch, gauge, and drive links
- Confirm the saw’s bar length and intended chain style in the manual
- Replace a worn chain if it will not tension correctly or has damaged cutters
- Verify the chain brake operates correctly after installing a new chain
| What matches? | Result | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch, gauge, and drive links all match | Oregon chain fits | Install, tension, and oil the chain |
| Pitch matches but gauge does not | Will not seat in bar groove | Choose correct gauge |
| Pitch and gauge match but drive links differ | Too long or too short | Choose correct drive link count |
A correctly matched chain helps your 358350202 cut straight, reduces overheating, and works with the saw’s automatic bar-and-chain lubrication system. The manual also emphasizes that lack of oil quickly ruins the bar and chain, so always keep bar oil filled during operation.
Last updated: February 2026





