Craftsman 316731974 gas trimmer Parts

For a Craftsman gas trimmer like model 316731974, .095 line is better for thick weeds and longer runtime between re-spools, while .080 line is better for lighter trimming and cleaner edging. The “best” choice depends on what you cut most often and what your trimmer head is designed to accept (see the 316731974 owner's manual).

Quick comparison

Trimmer line size	Best for	Tradeoffs	Typical feel
.080 in	Light grass, routine edging, detail work	Wears faster in heavy weeds	Smoother, lighter load
.095 in	Thick weeds, fence lines, tougher growth	Can reduce RPM and increase fuel use	More durable, more drag

How we recommend choosing for model 316731974

• Use .080 if you mostly trim lawn edges and light grass and want easier feeding and less engine load.
• Use .095 if you regularly hit thicker weeds and want fewer line breaks.
• Match the line to your cutting head limits; forcing thicker line can cause poor feed, extra vibration, or clutch/shaft strain.
• If the trimmer is hard to start or bogs down, step down in line size and make sure maintenance items are current.
• Keep the engine tuned; a fresh air filter and good spark help the trimmer pull thicker line more easily.

Why it matters

Line diameter changes the load on the engine, clutch, and drive system. Too-thick line can make a gas trimmer feel underpowered and can increase wear; too-thin line can break constantly and slow you down.

Parts that help performance (when line choice is not the real issue)

If your trimmer struggles with either line size, these common maintenance parts can make a noticeable difference:

• Mtd line trimmer air filter 751-12833 (restricted airflow can cause bogging)
• Mtd lawn & garden equipment engine spark plug 794-00082 (weak spark can cause misfire under load)

For additional replacement parts for model 316731974, you can shop the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A gas line trimmer like the Craftsman 316731974 typically lasts 8 to 12 years with normal homeowner use and routine maintenance. In heavy commercial use, lifespan is better measured in run-time; many pros plan on roughly 900 to 1,200+ hours when the trimmer is cared for. See the owner's manual for the maintenance schedule that most affects service life.

What most affects lifespan

• Air filtration: a clogged filter runs the engine rich and accelerates wear.
• Ignition tune-ups: worn plugs cause hard starting and misfires.
• Fuel quality and storage: old fuel and ethanol issues create carburetor problems.
• Cooling and cleanliness: debris buildup traps heat and shortens engine life.
• Drive system condition: worn shafts and couplers add vibration and load.

Maintenance that extends service life

We recommend these habits for the Craftsman 316731974 gas trimmer:

• Replace the air filter regularly; use the line trimmer air filter 751-12833.
• Tune up ignition as needed; use the engine spark plug 794-00082.
• Empty or stabilize fuel before long storage (30 days or more).
• Inspect the throttle and cable for smooth operation; replace worn controls early.
• Check for abnormal vibration; inspect the flexible shaft and coupler if cutting power drops.

Typical lifespan expectations (quick guide)

Usage pattern	Typical lifespan	What usually ends it
Homeowner, seasonal trimming	8 to 12 years	Fuel system issues, neglected maintenance
Heavy weekly use	5 to 8 years	Clutch/drive wear, carburetor problems
Commercial, daily use	900 to 1,200+ hours	Engine wear, drivetrain fatigue

Why it matters

A trimmer that is maintained (clean air filter, fresh fuel, good spark) runs cooler, starts easier, and avoids the most common “won’t start” and “won’t stay running” failures that shorten engine life.

For replacement parts for model 316731974, order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

When your Craftsman gas trimmer model 316731974 dies as you squeeze the throttle, the engine is usually running too rich or too lean under load. The most common causes are a restricted air filter, stale fuel, or a carburetor that is not metering fuel correctly; start with the quick airflow and fuel checks in the owner's manual.

Quick checks that fix most “dies when I give it gas” problems

• Replace a dirty air filter; a clogged filter can make the engine bog and stall under acceleration.
• Drain old fuel and refill with fresh, properly mixed fuel (if your trimmer uses 2-cycle mix).
• Inspect the spark plug for heavy carbon or a wet tip; replace if fouled.
• Check the fuel lines and tank vent for blockage; restricted fuel flow shows up when you open the throttle.
• Warm the engine up briefly before heavy throttle; a cold engine can stumble if the choke is opened too fast.

Parts that commonly solve this symptom

If basic fuel and airflow checks do not help, these model-compatible parts are the usual next step:

Symptom when throttling	Most likely area	Part to consider
Bogs, then stalls	Airflow restriction	Mtd line trimmer air filter 751-12833
Misfires, won’t rev cleanly	Ignition/fouling	Mtd lawn & garden equipment engine spark plug 794-00082
Starts but won’t take throttle even with fresh fuel	Fuel metering	Line trimmer carburetor 753-08203

Why it matters

A trimmer that stalls on acceleration is telling you the air-to-fuel ratio is off. Fixing it early prevents hard starting, plug fouling, and overheating from running too lean.

Ordering the right part

We recommend matching parts to model 316731974 and comparing your original part to the diagrams before ordering. You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

To replace the cutting line on your Craftsman gas trimmer model 316731974, we reload new trimmer line into the bump-feed head, then verify the line advances evenly when you tap the head. For the exact head style and routing, follow the 316731974 owner's manual.

Before you start

• Shut the engine off and let it cool.
• Disconnect the spark plug boot to prevent accidental starting.
• Clear grass and debris from the head and debris shield.
• Use the correct line diameter for your head (most gas trimmers use 0.080 in to 0.095 in).

Reloading line (typical bump-feed head)

1. Remove the spool cap or bump knob (it may twist off or unclip).
2. Pull the spool out; note the arrows and separate line channels.
3. Cut two equal lengths of line (many heads take 10 to 20 ft per line, depending on design).
4. Feed each line end into its own eyelet or channel so the lines stay separated.
5. Wind in the direction of the arrow with steady tension; keep wraps neat.
6. Reinstall the spool and cap; pull both ends to free the line.

Quick checks after reloading

• Run the trimmer briefly; the head should spin smoothly.
• Bump the head while running; both lines should advance evenly.
• If it will not feed, rewind (wrong direction is common) and remove packed debris.

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix
Line will not feed	Jammed line or wound backward	Rewind neatly; clear debris
Line feeds too fast	Worn bump parts	Inspect cap/spool for wear
Head does not spin	Drive issue	Inspect shaft/coupler/gearbox

Why it matters

Correct loading prevents tangles, improves bump-feed reliability, and reduces vibration and strain on the drive system.

You can order replacement parts for model 316731974 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman gas line trimmer model 316731974, you do not mix oil into the gasoline. This trimmer uses straight, fresh unleaded gasoline in the fuel tank, and engine oil goes in the crankcase separately. Use the exact fuel and oil specs in the 316731974 owner's manual.

Fuel and oil requirements (what to use)

Use these basics to avoid hard starting, smoking, and engine damage:

• Fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded gasoline (no 2-cycle oil mixed in)
• Use the recommended engine oil type and fill amount listed in the manual
• Check oil level before each use; top off as needed
• Replace old fuel if it has been sitting for an extended period
• Use a clean, approved fuel container to prevent contamination

Item	What this model uses	Where it goes
Gasoline	Straight unleaded gas	Fuel tank
Engine oil	4-cycle engine oil per manual spec	Crankcase (oil fill)

If you already mixed oil in the gas

Running mixed fuel in a 4-cycle trimmer can cause heavy smoke, plug fouling, and poor performance.

• Drain the fuel tank completely
• Refill with fresh straight gasoline
• Check the air filter; replace if oil-soaked (see mtd line trimmer air filter 751-12833)
• Inspect the spark plug; replace if fouled (see mtd lawn & garden equipment engine spark plug 794-00082)

Why it matters

A 4-cycle engine lubricates with oil in the crankcase, not oil blended into the fuel. Using the wrong fuel can reduce power, increase deposits, and shorten engine life.

You can order maintenance parts for model 316731974 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026