What kind of gas do I put in my lawn mower?
For the Craftsman lawn mower model 917375502, use fresh regular unleaded gasoline; premium high-octane fuel is not needed for normal mowing. Avoid old or contaminated fuel because stale gas and water in fuel are common causes of no-start problems.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh regular unleaded gasoline from a clean, approved gas can.
- Use fuel that is no more than 30 days old (or treat it with stabilizer if it will sit).
- Avoid stale fuel (varnish smell, dark color) and fuel that may have water in it.
- Avoid using premium unless your engine label specifically requires it.
- Do not store gasoline from one season to the next.
Quick fuel checklist before you fill
- Shut the engine off and let hot parts cool.
- Wipe dirt away from the fuel cap area so debris does not fall into the tank.
- Fill carefully; do not overfill.
- If the mower has been sitting, drain and replace old fuel before troubleshooting starting issues.
Common symptoms and likely fuel-related causes
| Symptom | What it often points to | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | Out of fuel, stale fuel, water in fuel | Replace with fresh regular unleaded |
| Starts then dies | Contaminated fuel, restricted airflow | Refresh fuel; check air filter |
| Hard starting after storage | Old fuel left in tank/can | Use fresh fuel; consider stabilizer |
Why it matters
Fuel quality directly affects starting, power, and engine life. The owner’s manual troubleshooting list calls out stale fuel and water in fuel as common no-start causes, so using fresh regular unleaded is one of the simplest ways to prevent downtime.
For fuel handling and storage guidance specific to your mower, follow the 917375502 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917375502?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 917.375502 (often written without the dot as 917375502). You’ll see it printed on the mower’s model tag and on the cover of the 917375502 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend checking the mower’s model tag first, then matching it to the manual.
- Look on the rear of the deck near the discharge area
- Check around the engine mounting area on the deck
- Inspect the handle support/bracket area (near where the handle bolts on)
- Wipe off grass and oil so the tag is readable
- Record the full model number exactly as shown (including dots)
Why the exact model number matters
Craftsman uses similar-looking walk-behind mowers with different parts lists. Using 917.375502 helps ensure you get the correct blade, drive belt, and drive system parts for your specific mower.
Common examples of parts that vary by model
| Part type | What it affects | Example part for 917.375502 |
|---|---|---|
| Mulching blade | Cut quality, mulching performance | Blade.22.mul 532406713 |
| Drive belt | Self-propelled movement | Belt 532157769 |
| Drive control cable | Engagement of drive system | Lawn mower drive control cable 532194653 |
Quick check: model number vs. other numbers
Use this to avoid mixing up identifiers.
- Model number: identifies the mower (example: 917.375502)
- Part number / part ID: identifies a replacement part (example: 532406713)
- Engine numbers: identify the engine, not the mower (often different from the mower model)
Why it matters
When you enter the correct model number, you avoid ordering the wrong Craftsman blade, wheel, or transmission parts and reduce downtime during mowing season.
Last updated: January 2026
Where can I find the Craftsman mower model number?
On Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917375502, the model number (and serial number) is printed on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Use that decal information when ordering parts and looking up the correct manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these spots in order (rear area first):
- Rear of the mower housing (back of the deck), where the decal is typically placed
- Near the rear discharge area or rear wheel height-adjuster area
- On the handle support brackets close to the deck
- Under the grass bag flap area (if equipped), near the rear deck panel
What to write down (and why)
Record the details exactly as shown on the decal:
- Model number (example for this mower: 917.375502, often shown without the dot as 917375502)
- Serial number (helps match production variations)
- Date of purchase (useful for maintenance records)
Why it matters
The model number is the fastest way to match the correct diagrams and parts for your Craftsman walk-behind mower. Even small model differences can change items like the drive system, blade adapter, or control cable routing.
Quick ID checklist
| Item on decal | What it’s used for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts diagrams and manuals | Copy every digit exactly |
| Serial number | Confirming exact build/version | Take a clear photo for reference |
| Product description | General identification | Helpful if decal is worn |
Helpful next step
Once you find the decal, compare it to the model shown on the cover of the 917375502 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026





