Should I use 40 1 or 50 1 fuel for a chainsaw?
For the Craftsman 358350180 gas chainsaw, we use a 40:1 fuel mix. That ratio is 3.2 oz of 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline, which provides the lubrication this engine is designed to run on (using 50:1 can reduce lubrication).
Correct fuel mix for model 358350180
Use these quick mix amounts:
- 1 gallon gas: 3.2 oz 2-cycle oil (40:1)
- 2 gallons gas: 6.4 oz 2-cycle oil
- 5 gallons gas: 16 oz (1 pint) 2-cycle oil
- Use 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil (not automotive oil, not marine/boat oil)
- Mix in an approved fuel container; add oil, then gasoline, then shake to blend
| Mix ratio | Oil per 1 gallon gas | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 40:1 | 3.2 oz | Correct ratio for Craftsman 358350180 |
| 50:1 | 2.6 oz | Used on some other engines; not the target ratio here |
Fuel handling and storage tips
Old fuel is one of the most common reasons a gas chainsaw runs poorly. We follow these practices:
- Use fresh unleaded gasoline and only mix what you will use soon
- Avoid alcohol-blended fuels for long storage; they can attract moisture
- If storing 30 days or longer, drain the tank and run the engine until the fuel system is empty
- A fuel stabilizer helps reduce gum deposits during storage
- At the start of the next season, use fresh fuel mixed at the proper ratio
Why it matters
The oil in the mix lubricates the piston, cylinder, and crank bearings. Running lean on oil (such as 50:1 when the saw calls for 40:1) increases wear and can shorten engine life.
For the exact wording and safety notes for this model, follow the 358350180 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the Craftsman 358350180 42 cc 2 cycle gas 18 chainsaw?
The Craftsman 358350180 is a 42cc (2.6 cu. in.) 2-cycle gasoline chainsaw that uses an 18-inch guide bar and chain. It ships fully assembled and is designed for general cutting tasks; we recommend following the safety, fueling, and operating steps in the 358350180 operator's manual.
Key features and what they mean
- 42cc 2-cycle engine: strong power-to-weight for typical homeowner cutting
- 18-inch bar and chain: good reach for limbing and cutting medium logs
- Factory-adjusted carburetor: normal to notice a fuel smell or light residue when new
- No assembly required: the saw is listed as fully assembled out of the carton
- Included items (varies by package): bar tool, gloves, gas can, bar and chain lube, 2-cycle oil; model 358350180 also lists a chain and carrying case
What’s included (quick reference)
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18-inch bar and chain | Cutting system | Bar and chain are wear items |
| 2-cycle oil | Fuel mix | Manual references a 40:1 mix |
| Bar and chain lube | Chain lubrication | Helps reduce bar and chain wear |
| Bar tool | Adjustments | Used for bar nuts and chain tensioning |
Why it matters
Matching the correct model number (358350180) to the correct bar length, chain type, and fuel mix prevents hard starting, poor cutting performance, and premature wear on parts like the clutch and oiling system.
Common parts customers replace on this model
If you are maintaining or repairing the saw, these model-matched parts are commonly needed:
- Chainsaw bar, 18-in 180SDET041 (guide bar replacement)
- Chain 91PX062G (cutting chain replacement)
- Ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 (fuel delivery issues)
- Primer bulb 530071835 (starting and priming issues)
- Chainsaw oil pump 530071259 (chain not oiling)
Last updated: February 2026
What is the L and H on a Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman 358350180 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. These settings affect starting, throttle response, and cutting power.
What each screw does
- L (low-speed mixture): Fine-tunes how the engine runs at idle and when you squeeze the trigger.
- H (high-speed mixture): Fine-tunes fuel delivery at full throttle under load.
- Idle speed screw (often marked T, S, or I): Sets idle RPM; it does not change the fuel mixture.
Quick symptoms guide
| What you notice | Most likely adjustment area | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Dies or bogs when you hit the throttle | L | Low-speed mixture is off |
| Races at idle or chain creeps | Idle speed screw (T/S/I) | Idle set too high (or clutch issue) |
| Lacks power in the cut, runs hot | H | High-speed mixture too lean |
| Smokes heavily, won’t clean out at full throttle | H | High-speed mixture too rich |
Safe, practical adjustment tips
- Start with the saw warmed up and the chain brake engaged.
- Adjust in small increments (about 1/8 turn at a time).
- Set idle speed so the engine idles smoothly without the chain moving.
- If the saw only runs with the choke partly on, the carburetor is typically running lean from a fuel delivery issue (old fuel, air leak, clogged passages).
- For the correct adjustment procedure and baseline settings, follow the carburetor adjustment section in the 358350180 operator’s manual.
Why it matters
Correct L and H settings keep the 2-cycle engine properly lubricated by the fuel-oil mix. A mixture that is too lean can cause overheating and poor performance; too rich can foul the spark plug and waste fuel.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on my Craftsman chainsaw?
On your Craftsman gas chainsaw model 358350180, the model number is on an ID label attached to the saw body. Most often it is on the side of the engine housing, near the rear handle, or on the underside near the fuel and oil tanks. Confirm the exact digits in the 358350180 operator’s manual.
Common places to check on the saw
Look for a sticker or metal tag in these areas:
- Side of the engine housing (near the starter/recoil cover)
- Rear handle area (near the trigger or handle mount)
- Underside of the saw body (near the fuel tank and bar oil tank)
- Near the bar mount and clutch cover area (around the mounting studs)
- Muffler side of the chassis (labels can be heat-darkened)
What to write down so parts match
Copy the identification exactly as it appears on the label:
- Model number: 358350180 (write every digit in order)
- Any extra numbers or letters on the same label (often a type or production code)
- Brand name: Craftsman
Quick tips if the label is dirty or worn
- Wipe with a dry rag first, then use mild cleaner on a cloth
- Shine a flashlight across the label at a low angle to make faint print stand out
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to read worn characters
Why it matters
We use the exact model number to match the correct illustrated parts list and compatible items such as the chain, guide bar, fuel system parts, and ignition components. One wrong digit can pull parts for a different saw.
| What you find on the label | What it means |
|---|---|
| 358350180 | Correct model for this parts list |
| A different 358xxxxxx number | Parts can vary; use the exact number shown |
Last updated: February 2026





