What is the fuel mix for a Craftsman gas trimmer?
For the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773410, there is no gas and oil fuel mix. It uses straight unleaded regular gasoline in the fuel tank and engine oil in a separate crankcase (fill oil before starting). See the 917773410 owner's manual for the exact fuel and oil specs.
Fuel and oil specs for model 917773410
- Gasoline type: Unleaded regular (no 2-cycle mix)
- Gasoline capacity: 1.25 quarts
- Engine oil type: SAE 30 (above 32°F) or SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
- Engine oil capacity: 20 oz
- Before each use: Check engine oil level and tighten any loose fasteners
Quick reference table
| Item | What to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Unleaded regular gasoline | Fill the gas tank only with gas |
| Engine oil | SAE 30 or SAE 5W-30 | Oil goes in the crankcase, not the fuel |
| Cold starting help | Primer bulb | Pumps extra fuel for cold starts |
Why it matters
Using a 2-cycle mix in this 4-cycle engine can cause hard starting, smoke, plug fouling, and poor performance. Keeping gasoline and engine oil separate is the correct setup for the 917773410.
If you are unsure whether your trimmer is 2-cycle or 4-cycle
- Look for an engine oil fill cap/dipstick (this model has one)
- Check the product specifications section in the manual
- Confirm the model number on the rear decal matches 917773410
Last updated: February 2026
What is the easiest trimmer head to load?
For the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773410, the easiest “head to load” is the one you already have: it uses pre-cut .130-inch line that you fold and slip into the carrier plate, so there is no spool winding. For the exact loading steps and line length, use the 917773410 owner's manual.
What “easy to load” means on this model
This trimmer head is designed for quick line changes by replacing individual line pieces instead of winding a spool.
- Use .130 inch diameter trimmer line
- Cut each new line to 16-3/4 inches
- Replace lines when they are worn to half their original length
- Keep all installed lines within 1 inch of each other in length to prevent vibration
- Avoid using wire, rope, or string (unsafe and can damage the head)
Quick steps to load line (no disassembly)
Follow this basic process (the manual shows the exact routing and clip location):
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before servicing
- Remove the worn line from the line carrier plate
- Fold a new, pre-cut line in half
- Insert the folded end through the carrier plate opening to the back side of the retainer clip
- Pull the line outward until it is fully seated and even
Choosing between “pre-cut line” and spool-style heads
If you are comparing head styles, here is the practical difference:
| Head style | Typical load time | What you do | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-cut line (this 917773410 style) | 1 to 3 minutes | Cut, fold, insert line pieces | Fast changes, simple maintenance |
| Spool winding head | 3 to 10 minutes | Wind line onto a spool | Lighter handheld trimmers |
| “Speed-feed” style | Under 1 minute | Feed line through, twist knob | Some handheld trimmers |
Why it matters
Correct line size and balanced lengths reduce vibration, improve cutting performance, and help prevent premature wear on the trimmer head (especially if it contacts concrete or asphalt).
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace trimmer line on your Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773410, use .130-inch diameter line cut to about 16-3/4 inches, then seat the folded line under the retainer clips on the carrier plate. Follow the steps in the owner's manual.
Before you start (safety)
- Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug
- Let the engine and muffler cool completely
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Tip the trimmer only as directed in the owner's manual to avoid fuel spills
How to replace the trimmer line (model 917773410)
- Remove the worn trimmer line from the line carrier plate.
- Cut new trimmer line to 16-3/4 inches.
- Fold the new line in half.
- Insert the folded end through the carrier plate opening to the back side of the retainer clip.
- Pull the line outward until it is fully seated under the retainer clip.
- Repeat for the other side.
- Confirm both lines are the same length; they should not vary by more than 1 inch.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire.
Correct line size and length
| Item | Spec for 917773410 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Line diameter | .130 inch | Prevents poor cutting and line breakage |
| Cut length (each piece) | 16-3/4 inches | Helps maintain proper reach and balance |
| Length match | Within 1 inch | Reduces vibration from an unbalanced head |
Common mistakes that cause vibration or poor cutting
- Using the wrong diameter line (anything other than .130 inch)
- Installing uneven line lengths (more than 1 inch difference)
- Letting the line wear below half its original length before replacing
- Trimming with the head rubbing concrete or asphalt (can wear the ball under the head faster)
Why it matters
Correct line size and equal lengths keep the trimmer head balanced, which reduces vibration, improves cut quality, and helps protect drive components like the belt and pulleys.
Last updated: February 2026
How to remove string trimmer head craftsman?
On the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773410, you typically remove the trimmer head by shutting the engine off, disconnecting the spark plug wire, then loosening the head fasteners so the head assembly can lift off for service (such as line replacement or belt access). For model-specific diagrams and steps, use the owner's manual.
Safety first (before you touch the head)
- Stop the engine and wait until the trimmer lines and all moving parts fully stop.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the plug.
- Work on a flat surface; tip the trimmer only as directed in the manual.
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Keep fuel away from ignition sources.
Common removal approach for this style of Craftsman trimmer
Most high wheel line trimmers remove the head as an assembly rather than “twisting off” like a handheld string trimmer.
- Disable ignition: disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Access the head area: clear debris around the trimmer head and underside.
- Remove retaining hardware: look for nuts, bolts, and retain rings holding the head/spindle housing together.
- Lift off the head assembly: support the spindle area so parts do not drop or bind.
Hardware you may need to replace during reassembly
If fasteners are worn, stripped, or no longer hold torque, replace them with the correct parts for model 917773410:
| What it does | What you might see | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps assemblies tight | Lock nut | Lock nut 532409149 |
| Retains parts on a shaft | Retain ring | Retain ring 532174580 |
| Supports rotating parts | Bearing cover | Bearing cover 532172516 |
If you are removing the head to service the drive belt
On model 917773410, belt service involves removing the chassis cover, tipping the trimmer with the carburetor and fuel cap up, and slipping the belt off the engine pulley and trimmer head pulley. If the belt is worn or broken, replace it with the correct belt for this model: high-wheel trimmer driveshaft belt 532185476.
Why it matters
Removing the trimmer head the right way prevents cross-threaded fasteners, vibration from an unbalanced head, and belt or pulley damage that can cause poor cutting performance or loss of drive.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is the fuel line on a Craftsman trimmer?
For the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773410, the correct fuel line size is the size that matches the fuel tank grommet openings and the carburetor fittings on your specific unit. We confirm it by measuring the old hose and checking the fuel system routing shown in the 917773410 owner's manual.
How we recommend sizing the fuel line (accurate method)
Use the old line and the connection points as your “spec” so you get a leak-free fit.
- Remove the fuel cap and drain the tank safely.
- Pull the old fuel line out of the tank grommet (if it crumbles, remove pieces carefully).
- Measure inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) with a caliper.
- If the hose is swollen, measure the tank grommet hole and the carburetor nipple OD instead.
- Replace the in-tank fuel filter if it is restricted or falling apart.
What you will typically see on small-engine trimmers
Many trimmers use a supply line (tank to carburetor) and may also use a return/vent line depending on the tank design. The key is matching the fittings, not guessing a universal size.
| What you’re checking | What to match | What “wrong size” looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Tank grommet hole(s) | Hose OD that seals tightly | Fuel seepage around grommet, line pulls out easily |
| Carburetor fitting(s) | Hose ID that grips snugly | Air leaks, hard starting, line slips off |
| In-tank filter pickup | Line flexibility and routing | Kinks, filter cannot reach fuel at bottom of tank |
Why it matters
A fuel line that does not seal correctly lets air into the fuel system; that causes hard starting, surging, stalling, and fuel leaks. Correct sizing also prevents the line from kinking as the trimmer vibrates.
Last updated: February 2026





