Owner’s manual
Do you use 40 1 or 50 1 gas in a chainsaw?
For the Craftsman 358352350 gas chainsaw, we use a 16:1 fuel mix (16 parts gasoline to 1 part 2-cycle oil), which equals 1/2 pint of oil per 1 gallon of regular gasoline. Follow the mix chart and fueling directions in the 358352350 owner's manual.
Correct fuel mix for this model
This model is not a 40:1 or 50:1 saw. It is designed for a richer oil mix.
- Mix 16 parts gas to 1 part oil
- Use air-cooled 2-cycle engine oil (not automotive oil)
- Mix only what you will use soon
- Replace old mix; fuel stored longer than 2 months causes hard starting and poor performance
- Fill the fuel tank and oil tank before cutting
Quick mix chart (common batch sizes)
| Gasoline amount | 16:1 oil amount | Practical measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 8 fl oz | 1/2 pint |
| 1/2 gallon | 4 fl oz | 1/4 pint |
| 1 quart | 2 fl oz | 1/4 cup |
Why the ratio matters
Running too little oil (for example, 40:1 or 50:1 in a saw that calls for 16:1) reduces lubrication for the piston and cylinder. That leads to overheating, scoring, and rapid engine wear. Running the correct 16:1 mix keeps the engine protected and helps the saw start and run consistently.
Related tip: keep bar and chain oiling separate
Fuel mix lubricates the engine; bar and chain lubricant protects the guide bar and chain.
- Fill the oil tank each time you fill the fuel tank
- If you are using less than about 1/3 tank of bar oil per tank of gas, check for a plugged oil hole in the guide bar
- If you need a replacement guide bar for this model, match the correct size and mount pattern; see bar 160SDEA041
Last updated: February 2026
What are common chainsaw problems?
Common problems on the Craftsman 358352350 gas chainsaw include hard starting, rough running or stalling under load, poor cutting performance from a dull chain, and unsafe kickback situations. Many issues trace back to basic maintenance like keeping the chain sharp and the saw running at proper cutting speed (see the owner's manual).
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Won’t start or starts then dies: stale fuel mix, fuel delivery restriction, or carburetor metering issues
- Runs rough or bogs when cutting: air filter restriction or carburetor setting out of adjustment
- Cuts slowly or makes powdery sawdust: dull chain (chips should be about the size of the chain teeth)
- Cuts crooked (pulls to one side): dull or unevenly sharpened chain, or guide bar rail wear
- Kickback risk increases: bar tip contact, dull chain, poor technique
Quick checks we recommend first
- Inspect cutting performance: if chips are small and powder-like, sharpen the chain.
- Check guide bar condition: worn or uneven rails can make cutting harder and cause angled cuts.
- Confirm safe cutting technique: cut only at high engine speeds and avoid letting the bar tip touch anything.
- Look for fuel system problems: cracked or hardened fuel lines and pickup issues can cause hard starting.
Parts that commonly solve “runs rough” or fuel issues
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Hard starting, fuel starvation | Fuel pickup or line issue | Fuel pick link 530069216 |
| Intermittent running after impact | Flywheel key sheared | Flywheel key 530015126 |
Why it matters
A dull chain and worn guide bar do more than slow cutting; they increase wear on other parts and raise safety risk. The manual also emphasizes avoiding overhead cuts, using both hands, and watching for kickback to prevent injury.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find model number on Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman chainsaw model 358352350, we list the model and serial numbers on the starting instructions decal. Check the decal on the saw housing, then copy the full model number and serial number exactly as shown (including all digits).
Where to look on the saw
Use these common spots to find the starting instructions decal:
- Near the starter/rope handle area
- On the side of the engine (motor) housing
- On the rear handle area (near the trigger)
- On the underside of the saw body (you may need to tilt the saw to see it)
- Near other safety or operating instruction labels
What to write down (and why)
Record both numbers from the decal:
- Model number (for example, 358352350)
- Serial number (unique to your saw)
- Any prefixes/suffixes printed with the model number
Why it matters
The model number is what we use to match the correct Craftsman parts diagrams and replacement parts (like a fuel line, guide bar, or ignition components). The serial number helps confirm production variations when a model had multiple versions.
Quick checklist before ordering parts
| Item | What to do | Common mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Copy every digit exactly | Dropping a digit or swapping numbers |
| Serial number | Copy it exactly as printed | Confusing 0 (zero) with O (letter) |
| Label condition | Clean the decal gently so it is readable | Scraping hard and removing print |
For additional identification details and label locations, use the 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 it has to match your Craftsman model 358352350 bar length and chain specs. For this model, the manual lists a 16-inch bar and a 3/8 pitch, low-profile chain, so choose an Oregon chain with those exact specifications.
What to match (so the chain fits)
Use these checks before you buy or install a replacement chain:
- Bar length: 16 in (listed for model 358352350)
- Pitch: 3/8 pitch (listed)
- Profile/type: low profile (listed)
- Gauge and drive link count: match what is stamped on your bar or shown in the manual’s chain/bar section
- Intended use: choose a low-kickback chain if you want behavior similar to the original setup
For the model-specific specs, reference the owner's manual.
Quick compatibility checklist
| Item to match | Where to confirm it | What to do if it does not match |
|---|---|---|
| Bar length (16 in) | Bar stamp or manual | Use the correct length chain for your bar |
| Pitch (3/8 low profile) | Bar stamp or chain packaging | Do not run a different pitch on the same sprocket |
| Gauge | Bar stamp | Replace chain (and possibly bar) to the correct gauge |
| Drive link count | Old chain count or packaging | Buy the chain with the exact drive link count |
Why it matters
A chain that is the wrong pitch, gauge, or drive link count will not seat correctly on the bar groove and sprocket. That can cause poor cutting, thrown chains, and accelerated wear on the bar and clutch/sprocket.
After you install the new chain
Our manual guidance for this Craftsman model is to tension the chain so it is snug on the bar and, when lifted near the middle of the bar, it lifts about 1/8 inch from the bar. Recheck tension often because chains stretch with use.
If you are also replacing fuel system parts while servicing the saw, the fuel pick link 530069216 is one of the model’s available replacement parts.
Last updated: February 2026
