How do I find out what kind of lawn mower I have?
To identify what kind of lawn mower you have, match the model and serial number on the mower’s ID decal to the information in your paperwork and parts diagrams. On Craftsman model 917376164, the decal is on the rear of the mower housing; use that number to pull the correct mower and engine parts lists in the 917376164 owner's manual.
Where to look on the mower
On this Craftsman walk-behind mower, we use the ID decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing to identify the exact unit.
- Find the decal on the rear of the deck (mower housing)
- Write down the model number and serial number
- Record the date of purchase (helpful for maintenance and correct parts matching)
- Use the model number to locate the correct parts diagrams for the mower
- Use the engine model/type code (usually on the engine shroud) to locate engine-specific parts
Why you may see two different parts lists
Walk-behind mowers commonly have two separate parts breakdowns: one for the mower (deck, wheels, drive system, handle) and one for the engine (carburetor, ignition, recoil starter).
| What you’re identifying | Where it’s found | What it controls |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model/serial | Rear housing decal | Deck, wheels, drive, handle, chute, blade hardware |
| Engine model/type code | Engine shroud/label | Spark plug, air filter, carburetor, starter parts |
Why it matters
Using the exact model and serial number prevents ordering the wrong blade, wheel, or drive components. For example, once you confirm the mower model, you can confidently match common wear items like the lawn mower blade 532406713 to the correct deck and mounting hardware.
Quick tip for parts matching
- If you’re replacing cutting parts, confirm deck size and blade style first
- If the mower “runs but won’t move,” focus on drive components (cable, pulley, gear case)
- If the mower “won’t start,” focus on fuel, ignition, and compression checks
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to get a lawn mower serviced?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917376164, most shops charge about $75 to $200 for a tune-up and about $150 to $350+ for repairs that require extra labor or parts. Your total depends on local labor rates, what’s worn, and fuel-related issues.
What “service” usually includes on model 917376164
A standard tune-up focuses on routine maintenance items called out in the maintenance schedule in the 917376164 owner's manual. It commonly includes:
- Change engine oil (4-cycle engines)
- Replace the spark plug (at least once a season)
- Clean or replace the air filter element (per the schedule)
- Inspect the blade for wear, sharpen or replace as needed
- Clean under the deck, check controls, cables, and fasteners
Typical cost ranges you’ll see (walk-behind mower)
These are common shop ranges for gas walk-behind mowers; parts and labor vary by region.
| Service or repair | Typical total cost | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic tune-up package | $75 to $200 | Flat-rate package vs. hourly labor |
| Blade sharpening | $10 to $25 | Removal time, blade condition |
| Blade replacement | $40 to $90 | Blade cost plus install |
| Carburetor cleaning/service | $120 to $300+ | Old fuel, varnish, extra disassembly |
| Self-propel/drive diagnosis and repair | $150 to $350+ | Cable, pulley, gear case wear |
When the bill goes up
Costs increase when the mower needs more than routine maintenance:
- Old gas causing hard starting or surging (fuel system cleaning)
- Blade damage after striking an object (replace blade, check for vibration)
- Self-propelled drive issues (cable adjustment or replacement)
- Heavy grass buildup under the deck (extra cleaning time)
- Engine speed or governor concerns (service center adjustment)
Why it matters
Following the model 917376164 maintenance schedule prevents expensive repairs. The manual specifically calls for seasonal spark plug and blade checks, and it also lists hour-based intervals (for example, air filter service and other items) that help you avoid performance problems.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read a Craftsman mower serial number?
For Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917376164, the serial number is mainly used to identify the specific production run for parts and service. The most reliable way to interpret it is to match the serial number format shown for your exact mower in the 917376164 owner's manual.
Where to find the serial number
On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the serial number is on the model and serial tag (often on the rear of the deck, near the height adjuster area, or around the handle mounting points).
Check these common locations:
- Rear deck area above the discharge opening
- Left or right side of the mower deck
- Near the engine mounting area on the deck
- Handle bracket area (where the upper handle bolts on)
How to interpret the serial number (what to look for)
Craftsman serial numbers are not always a simple month-day-year code across every mower line. Instead, we recommend reading it by pattern:
- Look for a date-style block (often 6 digits) that could represent a build date
- Look for letters mixed with numbers (often a plant or run identifier)
- Compare the serial format to any examples or notes in the manual
- Use the serial number along with the model number 917376164 when ordering parts
Quick pattern guide
| Serial number pattern | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits only | Often a date code (varies by manufacturer/run) | Confirm format in the manual before assuming MMDDYY |
| Letters + numbers | Plant/run tracking code | Use it for identification, not date decoding |
| Multiple groups (ex: ####-####) | Internal production code | Provide the full string when requesting help |
Why it matters
The serial number helps ensure we match the correct configuration for your mower, especially for parts that can vary by production run (for example, the drive system, handle hardware, or rear door/discharge components).
If you are troubleshooting or replacing common wear items, having the model number and serial number together speeds up accurate part selection.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common lawn mower repairs?
On the Craftsman 917376164 gas walk-behind mower, the most common repairs are fixing a no-start condition, restoring cutting performance (blade and deck issues), and correcting drive or control problems (cables, wheels, height adjusters). These repairs usually trace back to routine wear parts, loose hardware, or debris buildup; see the 917376164 owner's manual for model-specific procedures and safety steps.
Most common repairs we see (and what to check first)
- Won't start or runs poorly: old fuel, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug, or fuel system restriction.
- Loss of power or surging: clogged air intake, stale gas, or debris around the blade and deck.
- Poor cut quality or vibration: bent/dull blade, loose blade bolt, or grass packed under the deck.
- Self-propel won't move or slips: worn drive components, stretched/misadjusted drive cable, or wheel drive wear.
- Height adjustment problems: damaged adjuster parts or attempting adjustments with the engine running.
Blade and deck repairs (very common)
The manual calls out key blade service details: use a wood block to hold the blade, install the blade with the trailing edge up toward the engine, and tighten the blade bolt to 35 to 40 ft-lbs.
- Replace a damaged or badly worn blade with the correct part for this model, such as the lawn mower blade 532406713.
- Keep the underside of the deck clean to prevent bogging and uneven cutting.
- If you sharpen, keep the blade balanced to avoid vibration and long-term damage.
Quick reference: blade symptoms vs. likely fix
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ragged grass tips | Dull blade | Sharpen or replace blade |
| Strong vibration | Bent blade or loose hardware | Replace blade; tighten hardware |
| Clumping/poor discharge | Deck packed with wet grass | Clean deck; mow drier grass |
Safety and adjustment reminders
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before servicing to prevent accidental starting.
- Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment hardware.
- Never adjust wheel height while the engine is running.
Why it matters
Catching these issues early prevents bigger failures (like damaged crankshafts from blade impacts) and keeps your Craftsman mower cutting cleanly, running smoothly, and operating safely.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917376164?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 917.376164 (often written without the dot as 917376164). You can confirm it on the cover and parts lists in the 917376164 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend checking the mower’s model tag first, then matching it to the manual.
- Look for a model and serial number label on the rear of the deck near the discharge area
- Check around the engine mounting area on the deck
- Inspect the handle support area (near where the handle bolts to the deck)
- Compare what you find to the model shown in the manual: 917.376164
Why the dot matters (917.376164 vs 917376164)
Both formats refer to the same mower; the dot is a common Craftsman formatting style.
| You might see it as | What it means | When it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| 917.376164 | Same model number | Printed in many owner’s manuals and parts diagrams |
| 917376164 | Same model number | Often used in online search and parts lookup |
Why it matters for parts lookup
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct blade, drive parts, and hardware for your mower.
- Parts lists and diagrams are organized by model number
- Small differences in model numbers can change blade fit, wheel hardware, or control cables
- Correct matching helps avoid returns and installation issues
If you are replacing a common wear item, match the part to the diagram for model 917.376164. For example, the lawn mower blade 532406713 is a model-listed blade option for this mower.
Last updated: February 2026
What size belt does a 42 in CRAFTSMAN lawn mower take?
A 42-inch Craftsman riding mower belt size depends on the exact mower model and deck design, not just the 42-inch cutting width. For Craftsman model 917376164 (a walk-behind mower), the drive belt listed in the manual is V-belt 196857, so it does not use a 42-inch deck belt. See the 917376164 owner's manual for the correct belt callout.
How to get the right belt for a 42-inch Craftsman mower
We match belts by the mower’s full model number and the belt’s routing, because small changes in pulleys and idlers change belt length.
- Find the model number tag (commonly under the seat, on the frame, or near the deck on riding mowers)
- Confirm whether you need a deck belt (blades) or a drive belt (transmission)
- Check the old belt for a printed part number and cross-check it
- Compare belt routing to the diagram in your manual
- Replace worn idler pulleys and belt keepers if the belt keeps jumping off
Model-specific note for 917376164 (walk-behind)
This Craftsman walk-behind mower uses a self-propel drive system with a specified belt in the parts list.
| Mower model | Mower type | Belt referenced in documentation | What it drives |
|---|---|---|---|
| 917376164 | Walk-behind | V-belt 196857 | Self-propel/motion drive |
| 42-inch deck mower | Riding mower | Varies by model | Deck (blades) and/or transmission |
If you are servicing the self-propel system on 917376164, also inspect the lawn mower drive pulley 532443262 for wear or wobble, since pulley wear can shred belts.
Why it matters
Using the wrong belt length or profile causes slipping, poor blade engagement, premature belt failure, and can damage pulleys and belt guides. Matching by model number and routing prevents repeat breakdowns.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a lawn mower?
On the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917376164, the model and serial numbers are printed on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. We recommend writing down both numbers before ordering parts so you match the correct diagrams and hardware.
Where to look on model 917376164
Check these common spots on the rear of the mower deck (housing):
- Rear-facing surface of the deck, near the discharge area
- Rear edge of the deck, just below the handle mounting points
- Near the height-adjuster area on the back side of the housing
- On a flat section of the deck where a decal can sit without bending
For the exact location and how the decal is referenced in the diagrams, use the 917376164 owner's manual.
Tips for reading the decal (and what to record)
The decal typically includes both identifiers. Record them exactly as shown:
- Model number (example format: 917.376164 or 917376164)
- Serial number (unique to your mower)
- Date of purchase (helpful for maintenance tracking)
Quick ID checklist
| Item | What it’s used for | Keep it for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matching the correct parts list and diagrams | Parts lookup and ordering |
| Serial number | Identifying production run details | Service and support |
If the decal is dirty, faded, or missing
Use these steps to uncover it without damaging the label:
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth and mild soap; dry fully
- Use a soft nylon brush to remove packed grass and debris
- Shine a flashlight across the decal at an angle to make faint print readable
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to confirm characters
Why it matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers often share similar handles, wheels, and drive parts across models. Using the correct 917376164 model number helps ensure you get the right items, such as the lawn mower blade 532406713 or the correct drive and control components.
Last updated: February 2026





