What kind of gas do I put in my lawn mower?
For the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917370602, use fresh regular unleaded gasoline; in most areas that means 87 octane and up to 10% ethanol (E10). Avoid premium fuel unless your engine label or manual specifically calls for it; it does not improve performance in typical mower engines.
- Use fresh gas (ideally less than 30 days old).
- Use regular unleaded (typically 87 octane).
- E10 is commonly acceptable for walk-behind mowers.
- Avoid E15/E85 fuels; higher ethanol blends can cause hard starting and fuel-system issues.
- Avoid gas that smells sour, looks dark, or has water/debris in it.
| Fuel choice | OK for most mowers | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Regular unleaded (87) | Yes | Correct burn rate for small engines |
| E10 (10% ethanol) | Yes | Commonly supported and widely available |
| Premium (91-93) | No | Usually unnecessary; can waste money |
| E15/E85 | No | Higher ethanol can damage fuel components |
- Buy gas in small quantities so it stays fresh.
- Keep the fuel cap area clean so dirt does not fall into the tank.
- If the mower will sit for 30+ days, treat fuel and run the engine briefly to circulate it.
- For off-season storage, follow the steps in the 917370602 owner's manual.
Using the right gasoline helps your Craftsman mower start easier, run smoother under load, and reduces carburetor varnish and fuel-line deterioration that can lead to no-start or surging.
Last updated: January 2026
Where can I find the Craftsman mower model number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917370602, the model number is printed on the mower’s ID label (not on the engine). We use that mower model number to match the correct deck, handle, wheel, and drive parts for your exact machine.
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the mower body (deck) or handle area:
- Top of the mower deck near the rear discharge opening
- Back of the deck behind the engine (near the height adjusters)
- Side of the deck near a rear wheel
- On the handle support brackets or lower handle mount area
- Under the rear flap or near the bagging or mulching opening
Most Craftsman mower ID labels include a few key fields. Use the model number for parts lookup.
| Label field | What it’s used for | Example of what you might see |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the mower for parts | 917.370602 or 917370602 |
| Product number | Manufacturing identifier | Varies |
| Serial number | Unit-specific tracking | Varies |
- Write the model number exactly as shown; include any dots or dashes if present.
- If the label is worn, wipe it clean and use a flashlight at an angle to make the print stand out.
- Use the mower model number for chassis parts; engine parts often use the engine’s separate model and type numbers.
The mower model number determines fit for critical items like the blade, drive system, and discharge components. For example, the correct blade for this mower is the husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825, and using the wrong blade can cause poor cutting and vibration.
For diagrams and the exact label location guidance, use the 917370602 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917370602?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 917370602. You will typically find 917370602 on the mower’s model tag (often near the rear housing, deck area, or handle mount) and it is the number we use to match the correct parts and diagrams.
Look for a sticker or metal tag and copy the number exactly.
- Check the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- Check the top of the deck behind the engine
- Check the handle bracket or handle mount area
- Wipe off grass and oil film; the tag is often hard to read when dirty
- Record the full model number and any additional numbers on the tag (they can help confirm the exact build)
Craftsman mowers can look similar across years, but parts like blades, cables, and height adjusters can vary by deck design and drive system. Using 917370602 helps ensure the part fits your mower.
| What you’re doing | What to use | Example for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Confirming diagrams and part locations | Model number | 917370602 |
| Ordering a cutting part | Blade part ID | Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 |
| Checking maintenance specs | Documentation | 917370602 manual |
These are common items customers replace when servicing a walk-behind mower:
- Blade: husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825
- Drive system wear items: drive control cable, drive pulley, drive wheel
- Cutting and discharge items: clipping deflector, mulching door
- Height-of-cut items: height adjuster, height adjuster knob
When we match parts to 917370602, we reduce fit issues and help you avoid ordering a blade, cable, or adjuster that looks right but mounts differently.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917370602 usually fall into a few buckets: it will not start, it runs rough or stalls, it leaves an uneven cut, or the self-propel drive will not pull. Most fixes come down to basic maintenance, blade condition, and drive cable or transmission wear; see the 917370602 owner's manual for model-specific checks and adjustments.
- Will not start: old fuel, dirty carburetor, fouled spark plug, clogged air filter, stuck recoil starter
- Starts then dies / surges: restricted fuel flow, dirty carburetor jets, water in fuel, partially clogged air filter
- Poor cut quality / vibration: bent or dull blade, loose blade hardware, grass buildup under the deck
- Self-propel will not move: stretched/misadjusted drive cable, worn drive wheel components, worn transmission
- Clippings not discharging well: clogged deck, damaged deflector, mulching door not sealing
- Turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Tip the mower with the air filter and carburetor side up (to reduce fuel/oil leakage).
- Inspect the blade for bends, cracks, and heavy dulling; replace if damaged.
- Check for packed grass under the deck and around the discharge opening.
- If it is self-propelled, check cable tension and that the drive control bar fully engages.
| Problem you see | Part to inspect/replace | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut, tearing grass, vibration | Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 | Cut quality and balance |
| Mower will not self-propel consistently | Lawn mower drive control cable 588479201 | Drive engagement and tension |
| Weak discharge or side opening issues | Lawn mower clipping deflector 532426129 | Discharge direction and safety |
| Drive slips or will not pull | Lawn mower transmission assembly 589600601 | Wheel drive power |
Catching blade and drive problems early prevents deck damage, reduces vibration that can loosen fasteners, and helps the engine run under a steady load for cleaner cuts and longer mower life.
Last updated: January 2026





