Should I use 87 or 89 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 917377010 gas walk-behind mower, we use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Using 89 octane is fine, but it does not improve performance in this mower; 87 meets the fuel requirement (see the owner's manual).
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use 87 octane (regular unleaded) or higher.
- Use fresh fuel; buy only what you can use in about 30 days.
- Do not mix oil with gasoline (this is a 4-cycle mower).
- Avoid overfilling; fill only to the bottom of the filler neck.
- Be cautious with alcohol-blended fuels (ethanol/methanol blends) because they can attract moisture during storage.
Quick comparison: 87 vs 89
| Fuel choice | Works in Craftsman 917377010? | What you gain | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes (recommended minimum) | Correct operation at lowest cost | Normal mowing, everyday use |
| 89 octane (mid-grade) | Yes | No practical benefit for this mower | Only if 87 is unavailable |
If the mower will sit for 30 days or longer
Old fuel is one of the most common reasons a mower will not start next season. For storage:
- Run the mower until the fuel system is empty (tank, fuel lines, carburetor).
- Do not keep gasoline from one season to the next.
- Replace rusty gas cans; rust and dirt cause fuel problems.
Why it matters
Using the correct octane and keeping fuel fresh helps prevent hard starting, rough running, and fuel-system issues. In this model, octane above 87 is not a “power upgrade”; fuel freshness and clean delivery matter more.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 917377010 gas walk-behind mower include no-start conditions (stale fuel, dirty air filter, disconnected spark plug wire, bad spark plug), loss of power from airflow or deck buildup, excessive vibration from a loose or damaged blade system, and self-propelled drive issues when wheels or drive components bind.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Won’t start: stale fuel, dirty air filter, water in fuel, spark plug wire off, bad spark plug, or the control bar not held to the handle.
- Starts then runs poorly or loses power: dirty air filter, grass and debris packed under the deck, cutting too much grass at once.
- Excessive vibration: worn, bent, or loose blade; broken blade adapter; in severe cases, a bent crankshaft.
- Hard to push or drive slows: rear drive wheels not turning freely because grass and debris are trapped in the wheel and dust cover area.
- Starter rope hard to pull: blade dragging in grass or the brake engaged when the control bar is released.
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, high-impact)
- Use fresh gasoline; drain and refill if fuel is old or contaminated.
- Check the air filter; clean or replace if dirty.
- Verify ignition basics; spark plug wire fully seated, spark plug in good condition.
- Hold the control bar to the handle while starting; many “no start” complaints are safety-control related.
- Inspect the blade system; tighten hardware and replace damaged parts.
Parts that commonly relate to these problems
| Problem | What to inspect | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start, sudden stop, vibration | Loose blade or damaged adapter | Lawn mower blade adapter 532186766 |
| Poor cut, vibration | Bent or worn blade | Husqvarna lawn mower mulching blade, 21-in 159267 |
| Drive issues, belt routing problems | Idler/pulley wear or binding | Husqvarna lawn mower idler pulley 532166043 |
| Hard to push, drive slips | Wheel binding or damage | Husqvarna lawn mower wheel 532192622 |
Why it matters
These issues are connected: stale fuel and restricted airflow cause hard starting and power loss, while deck buildup and blade problems increase load on the engine and can create vibration. Fixing the root cause helps the mower start easier, cut cleaner, and protect the drive system.
For model-specific maintenance intervals, adjustment steps, and the troubleshooting chart, follow the 917377010 owner’s manual. If you need to order replacement parts, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917377010?
Craftsman model 917377010 is identified by its model number, not a built-in “year” code. The most reliable way to confirm the production timeframe for your exact mower is to match the model and any date information shown in the documentation and decals using the 917377010 owner's manual.
How to identify the year on a Craftsman walk-behind mower
On model 917377010, the model number itself does not decode into a calendar date. To pinpoint the year, we use the mower’s identification markings and documentation.
- Check the mower deck and rear housing for a product label or decal with additional numbers.
- Look for an engine label on the Briggs & Stratton engine (engine model and code often include date info).
- Compare what you find to the diagrams and listings in the 917377010 owner's manual.
- If parts have been replaced, use the mower’s labels and engine code, not the part date.
Where to look (fast checklist)
- Mower deck: top surface near the engine mount area
- Rear door / grass bag area: around the rear discharge opening
- Handle supports: near mounting points
- Engine shroud: stamped or printed engine identification
Common ID fields and what they mean
| What you see | What it tells you | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917377010) | Mower family and configuration | Confirms correct parts and manual |
| Engine model/type/code | Engine build date details | Often the best clue to timeframe |
| Serial/product number | Unit-specific identifier | Helps narrow production run |
Why it matters
The “year” matters most for parts compatibility. Even within the same Craftsman walk-behind mower family, small changes in the drive system, handle hardware, or wheel assemblies can affect fit.
If you are replacing drive components, matching by model is the safest approach. For example, the drive control parts list for this mower includes items like the Lawn mower drive control lever 532425662, which should be selected by model match rather than by assumed year.
Last updated: February 2026





