An important part of keeping your chainsaw well-maintained so it continues to perform well is making sure you are using the right gas and oil mixture.
Fuel quality and old gas is often the primary reason a Craftsman chainsaw begins having starting or running problems.
Craftsman chainsaws with 2-cycle engines use gas and oil mixed at a 40:1 ratio.
- Unleaded gasoline with a minimum 89 octane rating and a maximum ethanol content of 10%.
- 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.
Mix gas and oil in a well-ventilated area away from combustible products.
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
Gas and Oil to Use in a 2-Cycle Craftsman Chainsaw
Craftsman chainsaws with a 2-cycle engine must use a fuel mixture of gas and oil.
Don’t make the mistake of adding straight gas to a Craftsman 2-cycle chainsaw or you will end up ruining it and most likely have to buy a new one.
Straight gas runs very dry and will cause a 2-cycle engine to seize up and quit. Without oil added to the gas, the engine doesn’t get the lubrication it requires for internal parts to move freely.
Craftsman Chainsaws Use a Gas to Oil Fuel Mixture of 40:1
The 2-cycle engine on your Craftsman chainsaw has one fill port for gas and oil mixed at a ratio of 40:1. This means it requires 40 parts gasoline to 1 part oil.
For example, one gallon of gas requires 3.2 ounces of oil. Refer to this chart for the right amount of oil to mix with unleaded gas.
| Gas to Oil Mix | 1 Gallon Gas | 2 Gallon Gas | 2.5 Gallon Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40:1 | 3.2 oz Oil | 6.4 oz Oil | 8.0 oz Oil |
Type of Gas to Use in a Craftsman Chainsaw
When selecting gas for your Craftsman chainsaw, always use fresh gas. When gas ages, it begins to break down and become less combustible.
Gas with ethanol attracts moisture from the air to the fuel leaving behind a varnish in the fuel system. Gummy deposits will clog fuel components and prevent the carburetor from working sufficiently.
This can result in problems with your Craftsman chainsaw not starting, dying, or experiencing a loss of power.
Craftsman chainsaws require unleaded gasoline with a minimum 89 octane rating and a maximum 10% ethanol content. You can find this gas at your standard fuel station. Mix this gas with a 2-cycle premium oil.
Never use gasoline that has a greater ethanol content of 10% like those sold as E15 and E85. These types of fuel contain up to 15% and 85% of ethanol respectively. A low ethanol content or an ethanol-free fuel is best.
Type of Oil to Use in a Craftsman Chainsaw
Craftsman chainsaws require a premium 2-cycle oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified. This MTD 2-cycle oil works well. Briggs and Stratton also offer good quality oil.
Note: 2-cycle oil is not the same as automotive engine oil. Do not use standard engine oil in your chainsaw.
Use a Fuel Additive in Your Craftsman Chainsaw
It’s good practice to add a fuel additive when mixing gas and oil. This is to help keep fuel stable longer and help reduce moisture. Two great additives I recommend are STA-BIL and Sea Foam Motor Treatment.
This product must be added to the fuel while it is fresh. It is not a miracle product that will reverse the effects of old fuel.
How to Mix Gas for a Craftsman Chainsaw
Determine how much fuel mix you want to prepare. Refer to the chart above for the amount of 2-cycle oil to add to the gas.
- Remove the cap from an approved gas can. Add unleaded fuel (minimum 89 octane rating & maximum 10% ethanol content) to a gas can.
- Add the appropriate amount of 2-cycle oil to the gas can (3.2 oz. per gallon of gas).
- Replace the cap.
- Gently shake the fuel and oil until they are mixed.
- Add to the chainsaw’s fuel tank.
Always label your gas can with the type of gas or gas/oil mix in the can. Mistakenly adding the wrong fuel to a piece of equipment can damage it. You may be able to remember you mixed fuel in a certain fuel can, but someone else may not know.