Owner’s manual
Should I use 40 1 or 50 1 fuel for a chainsaw?
For the Craftsman gas chainsaw model 358351580, we recommend 40:1 fuel mix because the owner’s manual specifies mixing 3.2 oz of 2-cycle air-cooled oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline. Using 50:1 reduces oil content and can increase wear on an engine designed for 40:1.
What to use for model 358351580
Follow the fuel instructions in the 358351580 owner’s manual. Use:
- Unleaded gasoline
- Good-quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil (Craftsman oil is recommended)
- A 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas)
- Freshly mixed fuel (especially after storage)
Quick mix chart
| Gasoline amount | 40:1 oil amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz | Manual-specified mix |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz | Mix in an approved fuel container |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz | Shake briefly to blend |
Important do’s and don’ts
- Do not use automotive oil or marine (boat) 2-cycle oil; these can damage an air-cooled chainsaw engine.
- Shake the fuel container briefly after adding oil so the mix is uniform.
- Avoid alcohol-blended fuels for long storage; they can attract moisture and harm the fuel system.
- If storing 30 days or longer, drain the tank and run the engine until it stops (or use fuel stabilizer as directed).
Why it matters
The fuel ratio controls lubrication for the piston, rings, and crank bearings. Your 358351580 is designed around 40:1 lubrication; staying with the manual’s ratio helps prevent scoring, overheating, and premature engine wear.
Last updated: January 2026
Is a 16 or 18 inch chainsaw better?
For the Craftsman 358351580 gas chainsaw, an 18-inch setup is better when you need more reach and faster bucking on larger diameter wood; a 16-inch setup is better for lighter cutting, tighter spaces, and reduced user fatigue. Match bar length to the wood you cut most often and your comfort level.
How to choose between 16-inch and 18-inch
- Choose 18-inch if you regularly cut larger limbs or small-to-medium trunks and want fewer repositioning cuts.
- Choose 16-inch if you mostly prune, cut firewood rounds, or work in dense brush where maneuverability matters.
- If you are newer to chainsaws, a shorter bar often feels easier to control.
- Regardless of bar length, use reduced-kickback components when available.
Safety and control (why bar length is not the only factor)
Kickback risk and control depend heavily on technique and cutting conditions, not just bar length. Our manual emphasizes keeping bystanders at least 30 feet away and wearing proper protective gear. Review the 358351580 owner's manual before changing cutting setups.
Quick safety checklist
- Wear eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chaps, and non-slip footwear.
- Keep the chain properly tensioned; do not run the saw with a loose chain.
- Maintain a sharp chain; a dull chain cuts slowly and creates fine sawdust.
Typical tradeoffs at a glance
| Feature | 16-inch bar | 18-inch bar |
|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability | Better | Good |
| Reach and cutting capacity | Good | Better |
| Fatigue over long sessions | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Pruning, smaller wood | Larger wood, fewer passes |
Parts that commonly matter when changing bar length
If you switch bar/chain sizes, confirm the chain pitch, gauge, and drive link count match the bar and sprocket.
- Chainsaw bar, 18-in 180SDET041 (bar fit and length)
- Chain 91PX062G (must match the bar specs)
Why it matters
Using the right bar length helps you cut more efficiently while keeping control. Proper chain tension and sharpness also protect the guide bar and reduce the chance of binding or unsafe cutting behavior.
Last updated: January 2026
What kind of gas goes into a Craftsman chainsaw?
For the Craftsman gas chainsaw model 358351580, we use unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at a 40:1 ratio. That equals 3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gas; do not use straight gas in this saw. See the 358351580 owner's manual for the exact fueling instructions and safety steps.
Correct fuel mix for this model
Use this mix every time you fuel the saw:
- Unleaded gasoline (fresh, clean fuel)
- 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil (Craftsman oil is recommended)
- 40:1 mix ratio
- No automotive oil and no boat oil (those can damage the engine)
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 and handling tips
We recommend these steps to reduce hard-starting and fuel-related problems:
- Mix fuel in an approved, marked container outdoors.
- Add oil to gas, then shake the container to fully blend.
- Wipe up spills and move at least 10 ft away before starting.
- Let the engine cool before refueling.
- For storage, use a fuel stabilizer and run the engine about 5 minutes after adding it.
Do not confuse fuel with bar and chain oil
This saw has two separate tanks. The fuel mix goes in the fuel tank, and bar oil goes in the bar and chain oil tank.
| Tank | What goes in it | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel tank | Unleaded gas + 2-cycle oil (40:1) | Runs the engine |
| Bar oil tank | Chainsaw bar oil (SAE 30 can be used short-term) | Lubricates bar and chain |
Why it matters
Using the correct 40:1 fuel mix helps the 2-cycle engine stay lubricated, start easier, and avoid internal engine damage that can happen when the oil type or ratio is wrong.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 16 36cc chainsaw?
A “Craftsman 16-inch 36cc” description does not point to one single universal model number; Craftsman made multiple 16-inch saws with similar engine sizes. For the saw covered by this parts page, the correct model number is 358.351580 (shown in the 358351580 owner's manual).
How we recommend identifying your exact model
Use the model tag on the saw, not the bar length or cc estimate. That tag is what ensures the right fit for parts like the carburetor, primer bulb, and fuel line.
- Check the ID label on the starter housing, rear handle, or near the fuel tank
- Write down the full model number exactly as printed (including any dots)
- If the label is dirty, clean it gently and use a flashlight to read it
- Match that model number to the parts diagrams and repair parts list in the manual
- If the saw has been modified (bar swap, engine work), still use the model tag for parts lookup
Quick comparison (what we can confirm)
| Item | “16-inch 36cc” description | Craftsman 358.351580 (this page) |
|---|---|---|
| Model number certainty | Varies by unit | Confirmed: 358.351580 |
| Bar length | 16 in. | 18 in. (manual cover) |
| Engine size | 36cc | Refer to the model tag and manual specs |
Why it matters for parts fit
Chainsaw parts are highly model-specific; small differences change fit and fuel routing.
- Fuel system parts must match the tank and carburetor layout
- Ignition parts must match the flywheel and coil style
- Bar and chain must match the mount pattern plus pitch and gauge
If you are servicing model 358.351580, common fuel-related replacements include the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 and the primer bulb 530071835.
Last updated: January 2026
