Should I use 40 1 or 50 1 fuel for a chainsaw?
For the Craftsman chainsaw model 358350991, we recommend a 40:1 fuel mix (gasoline to 2-cycle oil). This model’s operator’s manual specifies mixing 3.2 fl. oz. of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline; using 50:1 can reduce lubrication and increase engine wear.
What to use for model 358350991
Follow the fuel instructions in the 358350991 operator’s manual. For this saw, the correct mix is:
- 40:1 fuel mix (unleaded gasoline + synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil)
- 3.2 fl. oz. oil per 1 gallon gasoline
- Minimum 87 octane (R+M)/2 gasoline
- Avoid alcohol-heavy fuels; the manual warns against alternative fuels such as E-15, E-20, and E-85
Quick mix chart (40:1)
| Gasoline amount | 2-cycle oil needed |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 fl. oz. |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 fl. oz. |
| 1 quart | 0.8 fl. oz. |
Why 40:1 vs 50:1 matters
Two-stroke engines rely on oil mixed into the fuel for lubrication. On model 358350991, running lean on oil (like 50:1) can contribute to:
- Faster piston and cylinder wear
- Hotter running conditions under load
- Hard starting and poor performance over time
Too much oil can also cause issues (smoke, carbon buildup), so sticking with the specified ratio is the safest choice.
If your saw is running poorly after a fuel change
If the saw starts hard, surges, or stalls after switching mixes, check common fuel-system items:
- Fresh fuel mix (do not use stale fuel)
- Fuel filter condition (consider the Craftsman lawn & garden equipment engine fuel filter 530095646)
- Fuel lines for cracks or leaks
- Primer bulb for stiffness or damage
For additional troubleshooting steps, we recommend tips for a hard to start chainsaw.
Last updated: January 2026
What are common chainsaw problems?
Common problems on the Craftsman 358350991 gas chainsaw include hard starting, rough running, stalling at idle, poor cutting (dull or loose chain), and bar-and-chain oiling issues. Many of these trace back to basic maintenance items covered in the 358350991 operator’s manual.
Most common symptoms and likely causes
- Won’t start or starts then dies: stale fuel mix, incorrect 40:1 mix, clogged air filter, restricted muffler spark arrestor screen, weak spark plug
- Runs rough or lacks power: dirty air filter, fuel restriction (filter or lines), carburetor out of adjustment, spark arrestor screen plugged
- Chain won’t move or slips: chain brake engaged, clutch/clutch drum wear, chain too tight
- Cuts crooked or slowly: dull cutters, uneven sharpening, chain tension incorrect
- Bar gets hot or smokes: bar oil tank empty, oiling system restriction, worn bar groove
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, high-impact)
- Verify fresh fuel mixed 40:1 (3.2 oz 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon gas) and use at least 87 octane.
- Clean the air filter; a clogged filter can make the carburetor run rich and foul the plug.
- Inspect and clean the muffler spark arrestor screen.
- Set chain tension correctly before each use; a loose chain can derail.
- Confirm the chain brake is disengaged before cutting.
Parts that commonly solve these problems
If troubleshooting points to a fuel or air restriction, these model-compatible parts are common fixes:
| Problem area | What to inspect/replace | Example compatible part |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel delivery | Fuel filter | Craftsman lawn & garden equipment engine fuel filter 530095646 |
| Priming | Primer bulb cracked or won’t fill | Ayp lawn & garden equipment engine carburetor primer bulb 530047721 |
| Air intake | Air filter dirty or damaged | Ayp chainsaw air filter 530057869 |
Why it matters
On a 2-cycle saw like the Craftsman 358350991, small restrictions (air filter, fuel filter, spark arrestor screen) quickly change the air-fuel ratio. That can cause hard starting, plug fouling, overheating, and poor cutting performance.
Last updated: January 2026
What kind of gas do you put in a Craftsman chainsaw?
For the Craftsman 358350991 gas chainsaw, we use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane) mixed with synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at a 40:1 ratio. Do not run straight gas in this 2-cycle engine; it can cause permanent engine damage. See the 358350991 operator’s manual for the exact fueling instructions.
Fuel mix for model 358350991 (40:1)
Mix 3.2 fl oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of gas. Shake the approved fuel container to fully blend the oil and gasoline before filling the tank.
- Use unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (R+M)/2 minimum
- Use synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil (Craftsman synthetic oil is recommended)
- Mix at 40:1 (oil:gas)
- Mix fuel outdoors and wipe up spills before starting
- Avoid stale fuel; mix only what you will use soon
Quick mix chart
| Gasoline amount | 40:1 oil amount |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 fl oz |
| 2 gallons | 6.4 fl oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 fl oz |
What to avoid (important)
These fuel choices commonly cause hard starting, poor performance, or fuel-system damage on 2-cycle chainsaws:
- Straight gasoline (no oil)
- Automotive 4-cycle oil or marine/boat oil
- Alcohol-heavy fuels labeled as alternatives (for example, E-15, E-20, E-85)
Why it matters
Correct 40:1 fuel mix is the primary lubrication for the 2-cycle engine in the Craftsman 358350991. The right octane and oil ratio helps prevent overheating, piston scoring, and carburetor issues.
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find model number on Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman gas chainsaw model 358350991, the model number is printed on the product ID decal on the saw housing. On this model, the operator’s manual identifies it as “Model No. 358.350991”; use the label on the saw to confirm the exact number before ordering parts (see the 358350991 operator's manual).
Common places to check on model 358350991
Look for a sticker, metal tag, or stamped plate in these areas:
- Side of the engine housing near the cylinder cover
- Rear handle area near the trigger or handle mount
- Underside of the saw body (bottom of the crankcase area)
- Starter housing (recoil cover) area
- Near the fuel tank or bar oil tank caps
What to write down (and how it’s shown)
The model can appear with or without a dot.
| Where you see it | Example format | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| Operator’s manual | 358.350991 | 358350991 |
| ID decal on saw | 358350991 or 358.350991 | Record exactly as shown |
Tips if the label is dirty or worn
- Wipe the area with a damp rag; oil and sawdust can hide the print.
- Use a flashlight at an angle to make faded text easier to see.
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in.
- If the decal is missing, match the saw using the parts diagrams and specifications in the 358350991 operator's manual.
Why it matters
We use the full model number to match the correct Craftsman parts and diagrams for your exact saw, which helps you avoid ordering the wrong chain, bar, fuel line, or primer bulb.
Last updated: January 2026





