Craftsman 917378870 lawn mower Parts

For Craftsman model 917378870, the fastest way to get help identifying and ordering replacement parts is to use the parts list and diagrams for your mower, or contact Sears PartsDirect support with your model number and the part description. Details and diagrams are also in the 917378870 owner's manual.

Having these details speeds up parts identification and ordering:

• Model number: 917378870
• Serial number (from the mower’s ID label)
• Part description (example: wheel, belt, control cable)
• A quick symptom summary (example: “self-propel won’t engage”)
• Photos of the part area (helpful for matching)

If you already know what area you’re working on, these are frequent requests for the 917378870:

Craftsman walk-behind mowers often use similar-looking parts across different versions. Confirming the exact model and serial helps ensure you get the correct belt, cable, blade adapter, or wheel components the first time.

Last updated: March 2026

On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917378870, the model number is printed on the mower’s identification label; once you match that number, you can use it to pull the correct parts list and diagrams in the 917378870 owner's manual.

Check these common label locations first (clean off grass and dirt so the print is readable):

• Rear of the deck near the discharge opening (rear discharge models)
• Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
• Side of the deck near a rear wheel height adjuster
• Handle support area (near where the upper handle bolts on)
• Under the rear door or near the grass bag opening

Record the full model number exactly as shown; for Craftsman, small differences can change the blade, drive belt, wheels, and control cables.

• Copy the number character-for-character (including dots or dashes if present)
• Use the mower model number for deck, handle, and drive parts
• Use the engine model/type/code (on the engine) for engine parts like carburetor or ignition
• Compare your part visually to the diagram before ordering

This Craftsman mower uses model-specific assemblies (for example, the drive system and handle components). Matching 917378870 ensures you get the correct fit for items like the lawn mower ground drive belt 532175436 or lawn mower engine zone control cable 532184588.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on the Craftsman 917378870 walk-behind mower usually fall into a few buckets: starting issues (often from flooding or ignition maintenance), loss of power from airflow or deck buildup, and drive or cutting problems from worn blade or belt components. Use the 917378870 owner's manual troubleshooting chart to match symptoms to the right fix.

• Won’t start or hard starting: over-priming can flood the engine; spark plug or fuel delivery can also be involved.
• Loss of power: dirty air filter, grass and debris packed under the deck, cutting too low, or walking speed too fast.
• Starter rope hard to pull: blade dragging in grass, a damaged blade adapter, or a bent crankshaft.
• Poor bagging (grass catcher not filling): cutting height too low, worn lift on the blade, or catcher not venting.
• Hard to push: grass too high, wheel height too low, or heavy buildup under the mower.
• Loss of drive or slow self-propel: worn or stretched drive belt, worn drive gears, or linkage issues.

1. Shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before inspecting the blade area.
2. Tip the mower safely (air filter and carburetor side up) and clean packed grass from under the deck.
3. If it won’t start, avoid repeated priming; wait a few minutes if you suspect flooding.
4. Inspect the blade and adapter for damage; a worn blade can cause vibration and poor cutting.
5. If self-propel is weak, check belt condition and drive engagement.

Most “common problems” are maintenance-related and show up as the same few symptoms: reduced airflow, extra drag under the deck, or worn drive and blade parts. Fixing the root cause protects the engine speed settings and improves cut quality and bagging performance.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman model 917378870 (a walk-behind mower), use unleaded regular gasoline; the manual lists a 1.6-quart fuel capacity. This is a 4-stroke mower engine, so you do not mix oil with the gas; engine oil is filled separately as shown in the 917378870 owner's manual.

Using the right fuel helps prevent hard starting, surging, and carburetor varnish.

• Use fresh unleaded regular gasoline
• Use fuel from a clean, approved gas can
• Avoid stale fuel (especially after storage)
• Avoid 2-cycle gas/oil mix (this mower uses separate crankcase oil)
• Wipe up spills and refuel outdoors with the engine cool

These specs come from the mower manual.

Correcting it right away prevents plug fouling and smoky running.

• Drain the tank and refill with fresh unleaded gasoline
• Check the oil level and condition; change oil if it smells strongly of fuel
• Inspect the blade area for safety before restarting
• If it still runs rough, follow a no-start checklist like lawn mower wont start troubleshooting video fuel ignition and compression

Correct fuel and separate engine oil keep the 4-stroke engine lubricated properly, reduce carbon buildup, and help the mower start and run consistently.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917378870 is a model number, not a date code; it does not directly tell the year. To find the year your mower was built, use the product identification label and the date or serial information shown in the 917378870 owner's manual.

On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the date information is on the same label that lists the model number.

• Check the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
• Look around the engine mounting area on top of the deck
• Check the handle bracket area (near the upper/lower handle bolts)
• Wipe the label clean; grass film can hide digits
• Write down the full serial/date string exactly as shown

Different production runs use different formats, so we recommend matching what you see to the examples in the manual.

Knowing the build year helps when you are matching wear items and drive components (like the ground drive belt, wheel adjusters, and control cables) because small design changes can happen across production years even within the same model family.

If you are ordering parts for Craftsman 917378870, confirm the exact part shown in the diagram for your configuration.

• Lawn mower engine zone control cable 532184588 (control cable assembly)
• Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-1/2-in 532175436 (self-propel drive)
• Husqvarna lawn mower height adjuster knob 532701037 (cut height adjustment)
• Lawn mower wheel 582976701 (wheel and tire assembly)

Last updated: February 2026