How long can gas sit in a gas can for a lawn mower?
For the Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917387660, we recommend using gasoline that is no more than 30 days old; after that, fuel can go stale and cause hard starting and rough running. For exact fuel and storage guidance, follow the 917387660 owner's manual.
- Drain the gas can into an approved container for proper disposal or use in equipment that allows it.
- Refill with fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane).
- If the mower has old fuel in the tank, run the engine until it uses up the fuel, then refill with fresh gas.
- If the mower will sit 30 days or longer, empty the tank and run the engine until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
- Avoid adding engine or carburetor cleaner products to the fuel tank.
| Fuel situation | What we recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh fuel (0 to 30 days) | Use it normally | Best starting and performance |
| Older than 30 days | Replace with fresh fuel | Reduces “stale fuel” no-start issues |
| Storage 30+ days | Empty tank and run carburetor dry | Helps prevent moisture-related fuel system damage |
Stale fuel and alcohol-blended fuels can attract moisture during storage, which can lead to separation and acidic fuel that damages the fuel system. Fresh fuel helps prevent common “won’t start” problems tied to stale gas.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common issues with 917387660?
The most common issues we see on the Craftsman 917387660 rotary lawn mower involve starting and power loss, uneven cutting, poor self-propel/drive performance (if equipped), and control or hardware loosening at the handle and wheels. Many of these problems trace back to normal wear items and simple adjustments in the 917387660 owner's manual.
- Hard starting or won’t start: stale fuel, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug, or a sticking throttle/governor linkage.
- Rough running or surging: partially clogged carburetor jet, restricted fuel cap vent, or throttle cable out of adjustment.
- Uneven cut or poor cut quality: dull/bent blade, blade installed incorrectly, deck packed with wet grass.
- Excess vibration: bent blade, damaged blade adapter, loose blade bolt/hardware.
- Height won’t hold or wheels feel loose: worn wheel hardware, loose brackets/fasteners, damaged wheel.
- Use fresh fuel; drain old fuel if it smells sour or looks dark.
- Inspect and clean the underside of the deck (disconnect the spark plug wire first).
- Check blade condition and tightness; replace worn parts as needed.
- Verify the throttle control moves smoothly and returns freely.
- Re-tighten handle and wheel fasteners after the first few uses each season.
| Symptom | Likely wear part | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut, tearing grass | Blade | Lawn mower blade 532406713 |
| Vibration, blade won’t stay aligned | Blade adapter | Lawn mower blade adapter 532418373 |
| Engine speed control issues | Throttle cable | Lawn mower throttle cable 532168552 |
| Wheel wobble or height issues | Wheel | Wheel.8x1.75 532427026 |
Running with a dull blade or a loose blade adapter increases vibration, which can damage the crankshaft, loosen fasteners, and make the mower unsafe to operate. Keeping the blade system and controls tight and adjusted helps the mower cut cleaner and last longer.
Last updated: March 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917387660?
The model number is 917.387660 (often written without the dot as 917387660) for this Craftsman rotary lawn mower. You’ll see it printed on the mower’s model label and on the cover page of the 917387660 owner's manual.
Check these common locations on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:
- On the mower deck near the rear wheels
- On the rear discharge area or side discharge chute area
- Near the handle mounting brackets
- On a sticker or metal tag that also lists engine details
Craftsman model numbers control the correct parts lookup for items like the blade, blade adapter, and control cables. For example, the parts list for model 917.387660 includes a rope guide and handle hardware that must match your exact configuration.
- Blade and blade mounting hardware
- Throttle or engine zone control cable routing
- Wheel and height-adjustment components
- Handle bolts, knobs, and brackets
| How it may appear | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.387660 | Standard manual/label format with a dot |
| 917387660 | Same model number without punctuation |
If you are matching parts after confirming the model number, one common wear item for this mower is the lawn mower blade 532406713.
Using the correct model number prevents ordering a blade, cable, or wheel part that looks similar but mounts differently, which can cause poor cutting performance or unsafe operation.
Last updated: January 2026





