Craftsman CMXGMAM1125501 gas lawn mower Parts

For a Craftsman CMXGMAM1125501 gas lawn mower, we recommend clean, fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87 octane (87 AKI). Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (E10) is typically acceptable; avoid old fuel and higher-ethanol blends for best starting and performance.

• Use fresh unleaded gasoline, 87 AKI or higher.
• Use fuel from a busy station; it is more likely to be fresh.
• Use E10 (up to 10% ethanol) when that is what is available.
• Avoid E15/E85 (higher ethanol blends) because they commonly cause hard starting and fuel-system issues in small engines.
• Avoid gasoline that has been sitting in a can for a long time; stale fuel is a top cause of no-start complaints.

• Fill the tank outdoors with the engine off and cool.
• Wipe up spills and keep fuel off the muffler and hot engine parts.
• If the mower will sit more than a few weeks, run the engine periodically or drain/refresh fuel.
• If the mower starts then dies, check for a plugged air filter and restricted fuel flow.

Using the right gasoline helps prevent carburetor varnish, hard starting, surging, and loss of power. Fresh fuel also reduces the chance of fuel-system repairs and keeps your Craftsman mower cutting consistently.

If fuel-related symptoms continue, a restricted air filter is a common companion issue; replacing the filter 799579 is a quick, model-compatible maintenance step.

Last updated: January 2026

On a Craftsman CMXGMAM1125501 gas lawn mower, the build year is typically encoded in the serial number or date code on the model tag; many Craftsman and MTD-built mowers use a 6-digit date format where the last two digits indicate the year (for example, 11 = 2011). Use the model tag plus the date code format to pinpoint the exact year.

Look for a sticker or metal tag on the mower; common locations include:

• Rear of the deck near the discharge opening
• Top of the deck behind the engine
• Near the rear wheels or height adjuster area
• On the handle bracket or frame crossbar

A very common format is MMDDYY (month, day, year). If your code matches this pattern:

• First 2 digits = month (01 to 12)
• Next 2 digits = day (01 to 31)
• Last 2 digits = year (00 to 99)

Some tags show a longer serial number where the date is embedded. In that case:

• Look for a separate 6-digit “date” line on the tag
• Check for a “DOM” (date of manufacture) marking
• Compare the engine date code (on the Briggs and Stratton engine shroud) to the mower tag

Knowing the build year helps us match the correct blade, belt, and control cable for your CMXGMAM1125501, especially when parts change mid-production.

• Filter 799579 (engine air filter)
• Drive belt and pulley components
• Control cables and handle hardware

Last updated: January 2026

Common problems on the Craftsman CMXGMAM1125501 gas lawn mower usually come down to starting issues, poor cutting quality, self-propel drive problems, and bagging or mulching performance. Most fixes involve basic maintenance (fuel, air, blade) or replacing a worn drive or control part.

• Won’t start or starts then dies: stale fuel, dirty air filter, restricted fuel cap vent, or ignition/fuel delivery issues
• Rough running or surging: clogged air filter, old fuel, or carburetor varnish buildup
• Cuts unevenly or leaves strips: dull/bent blade, loose blade adapter, or deck buildup
• Self-propel won’t pull: stretched drive belt, cable out of adjustment, or worn drive components
• Poor bagging or clumping: wet grass, clogged deck, or damaged bag/frame

1. Replace the air filter if it is dirty or oil-soaked: filter 799579
2. Make sure the fuel cap vents properly (a blocked vent can starve fuel): lawn mower fuel tank cap 596250
3. Inspect the blade for dullness, bends, and correct installation: lawn mower 21-in deck xtreme mulching blade 942-0741-X
4. If self-propel is weak or slipping, check belt wear and glazing: lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 33-7/8-in 954-04259A

A mower that runs lean (restricted venting or airflow) can stall and run hot; a dull blade tears grass instead of cutting cleanly, which stresses the engine and makes the lawn look ragged. Keeping the blade, airflow, and drive system in shape prevents most repeat problems.

Last updated: January 2026