Owner’s manual
What kind of gas goes into a Craftsman chainsaw?
For the Craftsman 316380200 2-cycle gas chainsaw, we use a gasoline and 2-cycle oil mix (not straight gas). The specified fuel mix is 40:1 (gas to 2-cycle oil); using the correct mix helps prevent hard starting, stalling, and engine damage. See the 316380200 operator’s manual for the exact fuel and oil guidance.
Use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1.
- Mix fuel in an approved fuel container, not in the chainsaw tank
- Use 2-cycle oil intended for air-cooled 2-stroke engines
- Use fresh fuel; old fuel can cause no-start and poor acceleration
- Never run straight gasoline in a 2-cycle engine
- Fill the bar-and-chain oil reservoir separately with bar and chain oil
| Gasoline amount | 2-cycle oil needed (40:1) |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 fl oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 fl oz |
| 1 quart | 0.8 fl oz |
These model-specific specs help you avoid overfilling and keep lubrication correct.
- Fuel tank capacity: 22 oz (650 mL)
- Chain oil reservoir capacity: 8.45 oz (250 mL)
- Lubrication type: bar and chain oil
A 40:1 mix provides the lubrication a 2-cycle engine needs. Too little oil can score the cylinder and reduce compression; too much oil can foul the spark plug and make the saw smoke and run poorly.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the L and H on a Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman 316380200 gas chainsaw, L and H are the carburetor mixture adjustment screws: L controls the low-speed (idle and acceleration) fuel mixture, and H controls the high-speed (wide-open throttle) fuel mixture. Use the settings and procedure in the 316380200 owner's manual to avoid a lean condition and poor performance.
- L (low-speed mixture): Affects starting, idle quality, and how the saw accelerates when you squeeze the throttle.
- H (high-speed mixture): Affects power at full throttle and how hot the engine runs under load.
- Idle speed screw (often marked T, LA, or S): Sets idle RPM; it does not change fuel mixture.
| What you notice | Most likely adjustment area | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Dies or bogs when you hit the throttle | L | Low-speed mixture too lean or idle set too low |
| Chain creeps at idle | Idle speed screw | Idle set too high (or clutch issue) |
| Screams at full throttle, lacks power in the cut | H | High-speed mixture too lean |
| Heavy smoke, sluggish, fouls plug | L or H | Mixture too rich |
We recommend doing these basics first because they change how the carburetor behaves:
- Clean or replace the air filter; a restricted filter makes the saw run rich (see air filter 753-08134).
- Use fresh, properly mixed fuel and a clean fuel filter.
- Confirm the chain is sharp and properly tensioned; excess drag can mimic a fuel problem.
- Warm the engine for a few minutes before final tuning.
Correct L and H settings protect the engine and keep cutting performance consistent. A too-lean setting can overheat the engine, while a too-rich setting can cause poor throttle response, smoke, and plug fouling.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 40 1 or 50 1 fuel for a chainsaw?
For the Craftsman 316380200 gas chainsaw, use a 40:1 gasoline-to-2-cycle oil mix. That is the specified fuel blend for proper lubrication and dependable performance; measure accurately and mix in a separate fuel can, not in the saw’s tank. See the 316380200 owner's manual for the mixing table.
A fuel ratio tells you how much 2-cycle oil is mixed into gasoline.
| Ratio | Gasoline | 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon | What it means for this model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40:1 | 1 gallon | 3.2 fl oz | Correct lubrication level |
| 50:1 | 1 gallon | 2.6 fl oz | Less oil than specified; increases wear risk |
- Use fresh, unleaded gasoline.
- Use 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines.
- Measure oil with a marked container; do not guess.
- Mix in an approved fuel can; cap and shake to blend.
- Only pour the finished mix into the fuel tank.
These checks solve most “won’t start” or “bogs down” complaints after a fuel change:
- Drain old fuel and remix fresh at 40:1.
- Clean or replace the air filter 753-08134 if it is dirty or oil-soaked.
- Inspect the primer bulb and fuel lines for cracks or leaks.
- Check the spark plug condition (type and gap per the manual).
A 2-cycle engine is lubricated by the oil in the fuel. Running a leaner oil mix than specified (such as 50:1 in a 40:1 engine) reduces lubrication and accelerates piston, ring, and cylinder wear.
Last updated: January 2026
