Owner’s manual
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How much oil does a Craftsman 6.5 lawn mower take?
For the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917376742 (650 Series Briggs & Stratton engine), the engine oil capacity is 20 ounces. Fill slowly and stop at the FULL mark on the dipstick to avoid overfilling and heavy startup smoke (see the 917376742 owner's manual).
Use the oil viscosity that matches your mowing temperature range:
- SAE 30 for temperatures above 32°F
- SAE 5W-30 for temperatures below 32°F
- Use a quality 4-cycle engine oil meeting API SG-SL
| Temperature | Recommended oil | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Above 32°F | SAE 30 | Better protection in warm weather |
| Below 32°F | SAE 5W-30 | Easier starting and flow in cold weather |
These steps prevent underfilling (engine wear) and overfilling (smoke, leaks):
- Park the mower on a level surface
- Remove the oil cap/dipstick and add oil a few ounces at a time
- Pause briefly to let oil settle, then recheck the dipstick
- Stop when the level reaches the FULL mark
- Tighten the dipstick securely before starting
Running your mower low on oil can quickly damage the engine, and overfilling can cause smoking and messy oil blow-by. Hitting the correct 20-ounce capacity keeps lubrication stable and helps the mower start and run cleanly.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of oil does a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower use?
For the Craftsman lawn mower model 917376742 (650 Series Briggs & Stratton engine), we use SAE 30 engine oil when temperatures are above 32°F, and SAE 5W-30 when temperatures are below 32°F. The oil capacity is typically 20 oz (initial fill is about 18 oz).
Use the oil grades below to match your mowing conditions:
- SAE 30: best for warmer weather (above 32°F)
- SAE 5W-30: best for freezing or near-freezing starts (below 32°F)
- API service rating: use oil rated API SG-SL
- Oil capacity: 20 oz for an oil change (initial fill is usually 18 oz)
For the exact maintenance section and fill procedure, follow the 917376742 owner's manual.
| Temperature range | Recommended oil | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Above 32°F | SAE 30 | Most spring and summer mowing |
| Below 32°F | SAE 5W-30 | Cold-weather starting and storage-season starts |
We recommend these steps for reliable starting and longer engine life:
- Check the oil level before each use with the dipstick
- Keep the mower level when checking or filling
- Fill only to the full mark; overfilling can cause smoking on startup
- Change oil every 25 hours of operation or each season
- Change oil more often if you mow in dusty or dirty conditions
Using the correct viscosity (SAE 30 vs. SAE 5W-30) helps the engine lubricate properly at the temperature you are mowing in. That reduces wear, improves starting, and helps your Craftsman walk-behind mower maintain consistent power.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917376742?
The model number is 917.376742 (often written without the dot as 917376742) for this Craftsman gas, power-propelled 22-inch rotary lawn mower. You can confirm the exact model format and specifications on the identification page of the 917376742 owner's manual.
We recommend matching the number on the mower to the manual before ordering parts.
- Check the model tag/label on the mower deck (typically near the rear or side of the deck)
- Look for “Model No. 917.376742” on the label
- Record the full number exactly (including the dot, if shown)
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean so every digit is readable
- Use the model number when searching parts like a blade, drive belt, or control cable
Both formats refer to the same mower.
| Where you see it | Common format | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Owner's manual and model tag | 917.376742 | Full model number with dot |
| Parts lookups and searches | 917376742 | Same model number without dot |
The model number is the key to getting the right Craftsman walk-behind mower parts and diagrams. Even small differences in a mower series can change the correct drive system parts, wheel adjuster hardware, or cutting blade style.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917376742?
Craftsman model 917.376742 is a rotary lawn mower model designation, not a date code; the model number itself does not tell the year it was built. To find the year, we use the mower’s product/serial number label and match its date code format shown in the 917376742 owner's manual.
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the mower (not in the manual pages list) and record what you see.
Common places to check:
- Rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- Under the rear door (bagging area)
- On the handle bracket or frame near the engine
- Near the battery box area (electric start models)
- On the engine shroud (engine model and code can also indicate date)
Craftsman walk-behind mowers typically use a separate serial/date code that can be decoded into a manufacturing date. The exact format varies by production run, so we recommend using the label information alongside the identification section in the 917376742 owner's manual.
| What you see on the label | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917.376742) | Identifies the mower platform | Use it to match parts and diagrams |
| Serial number/date code | Indicates build date | Decode the code or provide it to support |
| Engine model/type/code | Identifies the Briggs & Stratton engine | Use engine code to estimate engine build date |
The year helps when you are matching parts for maintenance and repairs (blade, drive system, wheels, electric start components). Even within the same model family, small running changes can affect fit.
- Drive system parts (belt, pulleys, cable routing)
- Wheel adjuster and pinion components
- Electric start parts (switch, charger, battery box)
- Handle hardware and brackets
Last updated: February 2026
