358350260 Craftsman Chainsaw Shop Manual

The Craftsman 358350260 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a high-performance engine, automatic oiling system, safety chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and tool-free chain tensioning. This shop manual provides comprehensive information for maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and safe operation. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, assembly, operation, maintenance, and repair procedures.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Specifications 4. Assembly & Initial Setup 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation Instructions 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain & Bar Maintenance 9. Engine Maintenance 10. Troubleshooting 11. Exploded Views & Parts List

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque 2-stroke engine, Oregon® bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve, anti-vibration system, and easy-start technology.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	50cc 2-stroke gasoline engine
Bar Length	20-inch Oregon® guide bar
Chain Type	.325" pitch, 72-drive link safety chain
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated front hand guard
Oiling System	Automatic with manual override
Starting System	Easy-pull recoil with decompression valve
Vibration Dampening	Integrated anti-vibration handles
Weight (dry)	12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Fuel Capacity	14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Capacity	8.5 fl oz (250 ml)

Safety Information

Always read and understand the manual before operation. Wear appropriate PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders. Ensure secure footing.
Chain Brake Test: Test chain brake function before each use by engaging front hand guard.
Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of guide bar tip.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while fatigued or under the influence.

Specifications

Model Number: Craftsman 358350260
Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder
Displacement: 50 cc
Power Output: 3.2 HP @ 9000 RPM
Fuel Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle oil)
Ignition System: Electronic (CDI)
Carburetor: Walbro® diaphragm with adjustable H/L jets
Recommended Bar Lengths: 18" - 20"
Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" / .058"
Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)

Assembly & Initial Setup

Unpack all components. Assembly requires basic tools (screwdriver, wrench).

Handle Attachment: Secure rear handle to engine housing using provided bolts. Torque to 12 ft-lbs.
Bar & Chain Installation: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket, align drive links with bar groove. Adjust tension.
Chain Tensioning: Use side-mounted tensioning screw. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
Fuel & Oil Fill: Mix fuel (50:1). Fill fuel and bar/chain oil tanks.
Initial Start: Set choke, pull starter cord 3-5 times until engine fires. Open choke and restart.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged during assembly. Keep hands clear of cutting area.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Main Controls: Front Handle (with chain brake lever), Rear Handle (with throttle trigger and lockout), Choke Lever, Decompression Valve, Primer Bulb, Master Control Lever (Stop/Start/Run).

Adjustments: Chain Tension Screw (side), Bar Oil Flow Screw (underneath), Carburetor Adjustment Screws (H & L).

Safety Features: Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Right-Hand Guard, Spark Arrestor Muffler.

Operation Instructions

Starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown procedures.

Cold Start: Engage chain brake. Set master control to CHOKE. Press primer bulb 5 times. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires. Move lever to RUN. Restart.
Warm Start: Set master control to RUN. Pull starter cord.
Cutting Technique: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work. Avoid pinching bar. Plan escape path.
Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Set master control to STOP.

Tip: Never drop-start a chainsaw. Always hold firmly with both hands.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Test chain brake. Inspect for loose fasteners.
Every 5 Hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 10 Hours	Clean cooling fins. Check fuel filter. Clean bar groove and oil holes.
Every 20 Hours	Replace spark plug. Clean muffler spark arrestor. Inspect anti-vibration elements.
Every Season	Drain fuel system for storage. Replace bar/chain oil filter. Inspect clutch and sprocket.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Proper chain care is critical for performance and safety.

Sharpening: Use round file (7/32" for .325" chain). Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters to equal length.
Depth Gauge Setting: File depth gauges (rakers) to 0.025" below cutter top plate. Use depth gauge tool.
Bar Maintenance: Flip bar weekly for even wear. Clean bar groove and oil holes. Dress bar rails if burred.
Lubrication: Use quality bar & chain oil. Adjust oil flow screw for environment (more flow for hardwoods/dust).

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. Ensure saw is off and cool.

Engine Maintenance

Routine engine service ensures longevity and reliability.

Air Filter: Clean with soapy water, dry, and re-oil (foam type) or tap clean (felt type).
Spark Plug: NGK BPMR7A. Gap: 0.020" (0.5mm). Replace if electrodes are worn or fouled.
Carburetor Adjustment: Factory setting: H=1, L=1 (turns out). Fine-tune for smooth idle and acceleration.
Fuel System: Replace in-line fuel filter annually. Use fresh fuel mix (less than 30 days old).
Cylinder Fins: Keep cooling fins clean to prevent overheating.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel	Check spark plug, air filter. Use fresh fuel mix. Clear flood (open choke, pull with throttle).
Engine runs poorly/dies	Clogged filter, incorrect carb setting	Clean/replace air filter. Adjust carburetor (H/L). Check fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Clutch worn, drive sprocket damaged	Inspect clutch shoes and springs. Replace drive sprocket if worn.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners. Sharpen chain evenly. Check anti-vibration mounts.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oil flow screw. Use correct bar & chain oil for temperature.
Chain won't stay tight	Worn bar, stretched chain	Inspect bar for wear. Replace chain if stretched beyond adjustment.

Reset: For electronic ignition, disconnect spark plug wire for 1 minute to reset module.

Exploded Views & Parts List

Refer to official Craftsman parts diagrams for part numbers and assembly order. Common replacement parts:

Chain: Part # 358350261 (.325" pitch, 72DL)
Bar: Part # 358350262 (20" Oregon®)
Spark Plug: NGK BPMR7A or equivalent
Air Filter: Part # 358350263
Clutch Assembly: Part # 358350264
Fuel Filter: Part # 358350265

Service: For genuine parts and technical support, contact Craftsman at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.