What is the fuel mixture for a Craftsman trimmer?
For the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773751, use fresh unleaded regular gasoline in the fuel tank; this model is a 4-cycle engine, so you do not mix oil into the gasoline. Add the correct engine oil separately before running it (see the 917773751 owner's manual).
Fuel and oil setup (what to use)
- Gasoline: Unleaded regular
- Fuel mix: None (no gas/oil ratio for this model)
- Engine oil: Use the oil grade listed for your temperature range
- Oil fill: Fill through the engine oil cap/dipstick (separate from the gas cap)
- Important: This trimmer ships without oil or gasoline, so both must be added before first use
Quick reference table
| Item | What to use | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | Unleaded regular | Fuel tank (gas cap) |
| Engine oil | SAE 30 above 32°F; SAE 5W-30 below 32°F | Crankcase (oil cap/dipstick) |
| Fuel mixture ratio | Not applicable | Not applicable |
If you were told “40:1” or “50:1”
Those ratios apply to many 2-cycle handheld trimmers. The Craftsman 917773751 is a walk-behind high wheel line trimmer with separate engine oil, so mixing oil into the gas can cause hard starting, smoke, and poor performance.
Why it matters
Using straight gasoline in the tank and the correct oil in the crankcase protects the engine, keeps the air-fuel mixture correct, and helps prevent common issues like loss of power and starting problems.
If you need replacement wear items while you are servicing the trimmer, we stock cutting line and drive components for this model, including the high-wheel trimmer driveshaft belt 532185476. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
On the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773751, we replace the trimmer line by stopping the engine, disconnecting the spark plug wire, removing the worn line from the carrier plate, then folding and seating new pre-cut line under the retainer clips so both sides match in length. See the owner's manual for the exact steps and safety notes.
Step-by-step: replace the trimmer line
- Shut down safely: Stop the engine and wait until the cutting head and all moving parts fully stop.
- Disconnect ignition: Pull the spark plug wire off the spark plug and position it so it cannot touch the plug.
- Remove old line: Pull the worn trimmer line out of the line carrier plate.
- Cut new line to length:
- If you buy bulk line, cut each piece to 18-3/4 inches.
- Use the built-in length gauge marks on the debris shield to measure and cut.
- Install the new line:
- Fold the new line in half.
- Insert the folded end through the carrier plate opening to the back side of the retainer clip.
- Pull outward until the line is fully seated under the retainer clip.
- Repeat for the other side of the carrier plate.
- Verify equal length: Check that all installed lines are the same length.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire.
Quick checks that prevent tangles and poor cutting
- Use the correct line diameter (this trimmer commonly uses .155-inch line).
- Replace line when it is worn to less than half its original length.
- Keep both line pieces the same length to reduce vibration.
- Avoid letting the trimmer head ride on concrete or asphalt; it causes premature wear.
- Trim thick weeds slowly so the ends of the line do the cutting.
Line options for this model
| Option | What you do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-cut line | Install without measuring | Fast replacement and consistent length |
| Bulk line | Cut to 18-3/4 inches first | Stocking up and frequent trimming |
Why it matters
Correct line length and proper seating under the retainer clips keeps the cutting head balanced, improves cut quality, and reduces vibration that can loosen hardware over time.
If you need replacement cutting line, you can order the correct line for model 917773751 from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Craftsman Weedeater not starting?
If your Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773751 will not start, the most common causes are stale fuel, a fouled spark plug, a clogged air filter, or a throttle/control issue that keeps the engine from getting the right air-fuel mix. Use the troubleshooting steps in the owner's manual to pinpoint the exact cause.
Quick checks that fix most no-start problems
- Use fresh fuel: Drain old gas and refill with fresh, properly mixed fuel if your engine requires a mix.
- Set controls correctly: Move the throttle to FAST and use choke as directed for a cold start.
- Check the spark plug: Remove it, clean or replace if fouled, and confirm the plug wire is firmly seated.
- Inspect the air filter: If it is dirty or oil-soaked, replace it so the engine can breathe.
- Look for fuel flow: Make sure the fuel cap vent is not blocked and fuel lines are not cracked.
- Verify the stop switch: Confirm the engine stop control is not stuck in the OFF position.
Model-specific parts to inspect on 917773751
On this model, a starting problem can also be caused by a control that is not opening the throttle or engaging correctly.
| Symptom | What to check | Related part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Pulls but never fires | Throttle not opening, cable binding | Line trimmer throttle control 583065701 |
| Starts only with choke, then dies | Restricted airflow or fuel delivery | Air filter, fuel cap vent, carburetor cleaning |
| No response at all | Ignition issue (spark plug, wire) | Spark plug and ignition lead |
Why it matters
A small engine needs spark, fuel, and air at the right time. One clogged filter or a misadjusted throttle control can flood the engine or starve it of air, making a good trimmer act completely dead.
Ordering the right replacement parts
We recommend matching parts by your full model number 917773751. You can order parts listed for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is the fuel line on a Craftsman trimmer?
For the Craftsman 917773751 high wheel line trimmer, the fuel line size is not specified in the model’s documentation; we match fuel line by measuring the inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) of the existing hose and confirming it fits the tank grommet and carburetor fittings. Use the 917773751 owner's manual for model-specific fuel and maintenance specs.
How to measure the correct fuel line size
Measure the old line (or the fittings it connects to) before ordering; fuel line is sized by ID and OD.
- Remove the old line and wipe it clean so it measures accurately
- Measure ID (the hole through the center) with calipers; a drill-bit shank can work as a quick gauge
- Measure OD (outside of the hose) to ensure it seals in the tank grommet and routes correctly
- If the line is brittle or swollen, cut a fresh section from the least-damaged area to measure
- Replace any cracked clamps or hardened grommets at the same time so the new line seals
Typical fuel line sizes used on small gas trimmers
Many small-engine trimmers use fuel line in a narrow range; the correct choice depends on your tank outlet and carburetor nipples.
| Common use case | Typical ID range | Typical OD range |
|---|---|---|
| Small return/vent line | 1/16 in to 3/32 in | 1/8 in to 3/16 in |
| Main fuel supply line | 3/32 in to 1/8 in | 3/16 in to 1/4 in |
Quick checks after installing a new fuel line
These checks confirm you have the right size and a good seal.
- Prime the bulb and watch for fuel movement without bubbles
- Check for wetness around the tank outlet and carburetor fittings
- Make sure the line does not kink when the handle is adjusted or the unit is tilted
- Verify the engine runs without surging (air leaks often cause lean running)
Why it matters
A fuel line that is too large can leak or pull air; a line that is too small can restrict fuel flow. Either condition can cause hard starting, stalling, or poor throttle response on your Craftsman 917773751.
If you are ordering other wear items at the same time, you can also shop parts by model on this page or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Craftsman Weedwacker?
On the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773751, the model number is typically printed on a decal/label on the trimmer frame (chassis area) rather than in a place you can see while operating it. For the most accurate parts match, we use the number from the machine label and confirm it against the diagrams in the 917773751 owner's manual.
Where to look on the trimmer
Check these common label locations first (wipe dirt and grass off the frame so the print is readable):
- Chassis/frame near the engine (top of deck or side of the frame rails)
- Handle support area (lower handle bracket or handle adjuster area)
- Rear axle/wheel area (near the wheel brackets)
- Under the engine cover area (not on the engine itself, but on the trimmer frame nearby)
- Near the cutting head/shield (on the guard or adjacent frame surface)
Model number vs. engine number (important)
This trimmer has two different identifiers, and they are not interchangeable.
| What you found | Example from documentation | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Trimmer model number | 917.773751 | Ordering trimmer parts (wheels, belt, cutting head, controls) |
| Engine model number | 143.016736 | Engine-specific parts (carburetor, ignition, gaskets) |
Tips to read a worn or dirty label
If the label is faded, these steps usually make it readable without damaging it:
- Clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap; dry completely
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to highlight embossed or faded print
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in (often clearer than the naked eye)
- Copy the full number exactly, including dots and digits (example: 917.773751)
Why it matters
We match parts by the exact trimmer model number because small design changes affect fit, especially on drive components and the cutting head. For example, the correct belt and spindle housing depend on the right model identification.
If you are replacing drive or cutting-head components, common model-matched parts on this trimmer include the high-wheel trimmer driveshaft belt 532185476 and the high-wheel line trimmer spindle housing assembly 532174543. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are working on more than one Craftsman unit.
Last updated: February 2026





