Craftsman 917372490 lawn mower Parts

Your Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917372490 uses the serial number on the rear housing decal to identify the unit; once you have that serial number (and your purchase date, if known), you can determine the mower’s age by matching it to the manufacturer’s date-code format shown in the 917372490 owner’s manual.

Where to find the model and serial number

The identification decal is attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing. We recommend writing both numbers down and storing them with your paperwork.

• Look on the rear housing for the decal
• Record the model number (917372490)
• Record the serial number exactly as printed
• Record the date of purchase if you know it
• Keep the information in a safe place for future parts lookup and service

How serial numbers usually indicate age

Most walk-behind mower serial numbers include a date code (often a year and week, or year and month) plus a production sequence. Once you locate the date-code portion, you can translate it into a build date.

Common serial number patterns (examples)

What you see in the serial	What it often means	What to do
A 2-digit year + week	Build year and production week	Convert week to an approximate month
A 2-digit year + month	Build year and month	Use that as the mower’s build date
Letters + numbers	Plant code plus date code	Focus on the numeric date segment

Quick checks that help confirm the age

If the serial number format is unclear, these details help narrow it down:

• The engine model listed for this mower family (often used for parts dating)
• Whether the mower has original decals and safety labels intact
• Signs of long storage (varnished fuel, brittle primer bulb, cracked tires)
• Maintenance history (blade replacements, oil changes, spark plug service)

Why it matters

Knowing the mower’s age helps us match the correct Craftsman parts and specs (like blade bolt torque and tune-up items) and avoid ordering the wrong blade, adapter, or drive components.

Last updated: January 2026

For the Craftsman 917372490 gas walk-behind mower, use fresh 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline for normal mowing. Higher octane (like 91) does not add power in small mower engines; the bigger priority is clean, fresh fuel and safe fueling practices described in the 917372490 owner's manual.

What matters more than octane

Most driveability and starting issues come from fuel quality and storage, not from choosing 87 vs 91.

• Use fresh gasoline (avoid old fuel that has been sitting for weeks or months).
• Avoid overfilling the tank.
• Let the engine cool before refueling; do not refuel indoors.
• Clean up spilled gasoline before starting.
• If fuel will sit 30 days or longer, drain the tank and run the engine until the fuel system is empty.

Ethanol (gasohol) and storage guidance

The manual warns that alcohol-blended fuels (ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture and cause fuel separation and acids during storage, which can damage the fuel system.

Quick storage plan (30+ days)

Situation	What we recommend	Why
Mower will sit 30+ days	Drain tank; run engine until it stops	Helps prevent fuel system damage from stale/phase-separated fuel
Mower used weekly	Buy small amounts of fresh 87	Reduces varnish and carburetor issues

Why it matters

Using the right fuel helps your Craftsman mower start easier, run smoother, and avoid carburetor and fuel-line problems. Octane is rarely the issue; stale fuel and poor storage habits are.

Last updated: January 2026

The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 917.372490 (often written without the dot as 917372490). You’ll see it printed on the mower’s model label and on the cover page of the 917372490 owner’s manual.

Where to confirm the model number on the mower

We recommend checking the model label on the mower itself so you match the correct parts list and diagrams.

• Look on the rear of the deck near the discharge area
• Check around the handle mounting brackets
• Look near the engine mounting area on the deck
• If the label is dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap

Model number vs. engine model number (common confusion)

This mower has a mower model number and a separate engine model number. Use the mower model number for most chassis and drive parts.

What you’re looking at	Example format	What it’s used for
Mower model number	917.372490 (or 917372490)	Deck, wheels, drive system, handle parts
Engine model number	143.414302	Engine-specific parts and engine service info

Why it matters

Parts are matched to the exact model. Using 917372490 ensures you get the correct blade, blade adapter, drive cover, wheel, and hardware for your Craftsman mower.

If you’re replacing cutting components, match the part to the model-specific parts list; for example, the lawn mower 22-in deck mulching blade 532406713 is a common wear item for this mower.

Last updated: January 2026