How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace line on your Craftsman 358791540 gas line trimmer, remove the trimmer head cap, lift out the spool, then install a pre-wound spool or rewind the spool with 0.080-inch (2 mm) round line. Feed the line through the guide ring and reinstall the cap hand-tight. See the owner's manual for the exact head layout and winding direction.
Quick steps (spool-style head)
- Shut the engine off and let it cool; disconnect the spark plug boot before maintenance.
- Hold the spool and unscrew the cap in the direction shown on top of the cap.
- Remove the line guide ring and lift out the spool.
- Choose one option:
- Install a pre-wound spool (remove any tape holding the line).
- Refill your spool with new line (details below).
- Thread the line through the line guide ring.
- Rest the guide ring on the spool, place the line into the slot, and leave about 4 to 6 inches of line extending.
- Reinstall the cap and tighten it by hand only.
Refilling the spool with new line (recommended specs)
Use 0.080-inch (2 mm) round line for the Craftsman 358791540.
- Cut 25 feet (8 meters) of 0.080-inch round line.
- Insert one end into the center cavity of the empty spool.
- Wind in the direction shown on the spool (commonly counterclockwise).
- Stop winding with 4 to 6 inches left unwound.
Line spec checklist
| Item | What to use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Line diameter | 0.080 in (2 mm) | Feeds and advances correctly |
| Line shape | Round | Helps prevent jamming and poor advance |
| Line length to wind | 25 ft (8 m) | Fills the spool correctly |
Why it matters
Correct line size and proper winding keep the bump head advancing smoothly, reduce tangles, and prevent the cutting head from binding. Using wire, rope, or the wrong diameter can damage the head and create a safety hazard.
Parts and supplies tips
If your trimmer is hard to start after line service, check for fuel system issues such as cracked or soft fuel tubing. For this model, common fuel tubing options include the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 and the poulan lawn & garden equipment fuel line, small 530069247. You can also find additional replacement parts by searching your model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the fuel mix for a Craftsman gas trimmer?
For the Craftsman gas line trimmer model 358791540, use a 40:1 gasoline-to-oil mix (unleaded gasoline mixed with synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil). That equals 3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of gas; shake the container to fully blend before fueling.
Correct 40:1 mix amounts
Use this chart to measure oil accurately for your 358791540 trimmer.
| Gasoline amount | Oil needed (40:1) |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz |
How we recommend mixing fuel
Mixing correctly helps the carburetor, primer bulb, and fuel lines deliver consistent fuel flow.
- Use a clean, approved fuel container (not the trimmer tank)
- Add about half the gasoline first
- Add the measured 2-cycle oil
- Add the remaining gasoline
- Cap and shake briefly to blend thoroughly
- Fuel the trimmer outdoors and wipe up any spills
What to avoid (prevents engine damage)
Using the wrong oil is one of the fastest ways to damage a 2-cycle trimmer engine.
- Do not use automotive oil
- Do not use marine or boat oil
- Do not guess the ratio; measure the oil
- Do not mix fuel in the trimmer fuel tank
Why it matters
A 2-cycle engine depends on oil mixed into the gasoline for lubrication. Too little oil can score the piston and cylinder; too much oil can foul the spark plug, smoke excessively, and cause poor running. For model 358791540, the 40:1 ratio is the correct balance.
Parts that often get replaced when fuel issues show up
If the trimmer is hard to start, won’t stay running, or won’t prime, these fuel-system parts are common fixes.
- Line trimmer primer bulb 530058709
- Ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216
- Poulan lawn & garden equipment fuel line, small 530069247
For additional replacement parts for model 358791540, you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
For safety notes and fueling steps specific to this trimmer, follow the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is the fuel line on a Craftsman trimmer?
For the Craftsman 358791540 gas line trimmer, fuel line size depends on whether you are replacing the small return line or the larger supply line. We match fuel line by inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD); use the 358791540 owner's manual to confirm routing before cutting and installing new line.
Typical fuel line sizes used on small 2-cycle trimmers
Most Craftsman gas trimmers use two different fuel lines:
- Small line (often the return line from primer bulb back to tank): commonly around 0.080 inch ID and 0.140 inch OD
- Large line (often the supply line from tank to carburetor/primer): larger than the return line and sized to seal tightly in the tank grommet
- Lines must fit snugly on the primer bulb and carburetor fittings to prevent air leaks
- If the line feels loose on a fitting, it is the wrong ID and will cause hard starting or stalling
Parts that fit this model (fuel line options)
For model 358791540, we list both a small and a large fuel line. Use the old line as a sample and match by ID/OD and length.
| Fuel line option | What it is used for | Sears PartsDirect part |
|---|---|---|
| Small fuel line | Typically return line (primer to tank) | Fuel line, small 530069247 |
| Large fuel line | Typically supply line (tank to carb/primer) | Fuel line, large 530069216 |
How to choose the correct size (quick checks)
- Measure the ID of the old line (or the fitting barb) first; that is the critical seal
- Check that the OD seals where the line passes through the fuel tank opening or grommet
- Replace brittle or swollen line; ethanol fuel commonly causes softening and cracking
- After installation, prime and inspect for wet spots; any seepage indicates a poor seal
Why it matters
A fuel line that is even slightly oversized can pull air into the fuel system. That leads to hard starting, poor acceleration, and stalling under load. Correct sizing restores proper priming and steady fuel delivery.
If you need to order the correct line for your Craftsman 358791540, you can use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What size line does a Craftsman trimmer take?
For the Craftsman 358791540 gas line trimmer, use 0.080 inch (2 mm) diameter round trimmer line. This model uses automatic line advance, and the specified diameter and shape help the cutting head feed correctly and cut safely.
Correct line specification for model 358791540
The line size and type are specified in the 358791540 owner's manual.
- Diameter: 0.080 inch (2 mm)
- Shape/profile: round
- Material: nylon trimmer line only
- Feed system note: automatic line advance (do not bump the head to advance line)
Quick spec table
| Spec | Use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Line diameter | 0.080 in (2 mm) | Smaller or larger diameters |
| Line shape | Round | Square, star, twisted |
| Line material | Nylon trimmer line | Wire, rope, string |
Refilling the spool (what matters most)
When you reload line, focus on the steps that prevent feed problems and tangles.
- Wind 0.080 inch round line only
- Follow the winding direction shown on the spool
- Leave enough free end to thread the line through the guide ring
- Keep the shield installed; it helps maintain proper cutting path length
Why it matters
The 358791540 cutting head and automatic feed system are designed around 0.080 inch round line. Using the wrong diameter or a non-round profile causes poor advancing, extra head wear, and increases the risk of line breakage.
Parts that often come up during tune-ups
If you are also troubleshooting hard starting or fuel delivery while maintaining the trimmer, these model-matched parts are commonly replaced:
- Line trimmer primer bulb 530058709
- Line trimmer carburetor 530071811
- Poulan lawn & garden equipment fuel line, small 530069247
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 358791540, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





