Craftsman 917380542 lawn mower Parts

Model 917380542 is a Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower; the owner’s manual identifies it as a 4.0 horsepower, 20-inch side-discharge, 3-in-1 convertible rotary lawn mower. For the full specifications and parts breakdown, use the owner's manual.

What this model includes (from the manual)

Here are the key identifiers we use for Craftsman model 917380542:

• 4.0 horsepower gas engine
• 20-inch cutting width
• Side discharge deck
• 3-in-1 convertible configuration (commonly side discharge, bagging, mulching depending on setup)
• Walk-behind mower platform

Where to find the model and engine numbers

Knowing both numbers helps you order the correct repair parts.

• Mower model number (917380542): on a decal attached to the rear of the mower housing
• Engine model number (143.944006): on the engine blower housing
• Record the serial number and date of purchase for your maintenance records

Quick reference table

Item	What to look for	Where it’s located
Mower model	917380542	Rear of mower housing decal
Engine model	143.944006	Engine blower housing
Cutting width	20 in.	Listed in manual specs
Engine output	4.0 HP	Listed in manual specs

Why it matters

Craftsman walk-behind mowers often share similar decks and controls across model families, but parts can vary by model and by engine model. Matching 917380542 (mower) and 143.944006 (engine) prevents ordering the wrong blade adapter, fasteners, or carburetor parts.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Craftsman 917380542 walk-behind mower usually pulls to one side when the cutting system is not balanced or the deck is dragging unevenly. The most common causes are uneven wheel height settings, a worn or bent blade, or grass and debris buildup under the mower housing (all of which can steer the mower as you push).

Quick checks that fix most “pulling” problems

• Set all wheels to the same cutting height (uneven wheel heights are a top cause of uneven cut and pulling).
• Tip the mower safely and clean the underside of the mower housing; built-up grass can make the deck drag more on one side.
• Inspect the blade for bends, heavy nicks, or uneven wear; replace if damaged.
• Confirm the blade hardware is tight; a loose blade can cut unevenly and cause vibration.
• Mow slower in tall or heavy grass and consider raising the cut height to reduce drag.

For model-specific operating and cleaning guidance, follow the maintenance and mowing tips in the owner's manual.

What to look for (symptoms and likely causes)

What you notice	Most likely cause	What to do first
Uneven cut plus pulling	Wheel heights uneven	Match all wheel height settings
Pulling gets worse as you mow	Grass buildup under deck	Clean underside of housing
Pulling plus vibration	Worn, bent, or loose blade	Tighten hardware; replace blade if bent
Pulling mainly in tall grass	Deck/blade dragging	Raise cut height; overlap passes

Why it matters

When the deck drags or the blade cuts unevenly, the mower has to work harder, can leave clumps, and may feel like it is “steering itself.” Keeping the underside clean and the wheel heights even improves cut quality and reduces strain on the engine.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917380542 is identified by its model number, but the year of manufacture is not encoded in the model number itself. To pin down the year, use the serial number and the identification decal locations shown in the owner's manual.

How to find the date information on your mower

On this Craftsman walk-behind mower, the model and serial information is on a decal attached to the mower.

• Look for the decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing.
• Record the serial number exactly as shown.
• Write down your date of purchase (the manual recommends keeping it for future reference).
• If the decal is dirty or faded, clean the area gently so the characters are readable.
• Keep the information with your maintenance records for parts lookup and service.

Model number vs. serial number (what each tells you)

Item	What it identifies	What it usually helps with
Model number (917380542)	The mower configuration	Finding correct diagrams and repair parts
Serial number (on the decal)	Your specific unit	Determining production run and age
Date of purchase	When you bought it	Warranty and maintenance tracking

Why it matters

Knowing the mower’s approximate age helps us match the right repair parts and maintenance schedule, especially for wear items like the blade adapter, recoil starter components, and carburetor parts.

Last updated: February 2026

A 42-inch mower only fits through a gate if the gate opening is wider than the mower’s true outside-to-outside width (including wheels and any side discharge chute). For a 42-inch deck, plan on needing at least a 44- to 48-inch gate opening for comfortable clearance.

How to measure it correctly

Measure the mower at its widest point with it set up the way you’ll actually roll it through the gate.

• Measure outside edge of left wheel to outside edge of right wheel
• Include the side discharge chute or flap if it sticks out
• Measure with the handle in the position you’ll use (some handles add width when folded)
• Compare to the gate opening at the narrowest spot (posts, latch hardware, hinges)
• Leave extra clearance so you are not scraping the gate or catching the chute

Quick fit guide (typical)

These are practical “real world” clearances most owners use for walk-behind and riding mowers.

Deck size (nominal)	Typical overall width	Gate opening that usually works
34-inch	About 36 to 38 inches	40 inches or wider
42-inch	About 44 to 48 inches	48 inches or wider
46-inch	About 48 to 52 inches	52 inches or wider

Tips if you are close on clearance

If you are within an inch or two, small changes often make the difference.

• Raise or secure the discharge flap so it does not catch
• Remove the chute (if your mower design allows) before moving through the gate
• Roll through slowly and straight; avoid turning while in the opening
• Check tire pressure; a low tire can change how the mower tracks and rubs
• If you must tilt the mower, follow the safety guidance in the owner's manual

Why it matters

Forcing a mower through a tight gate can bend the discharge chute, damage the deck edge, or scrape wheels and hardware. A little extra clearance also reduces the chance of the mower jerking sideways while you push it.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 917380542 gas walk-behind mower, use fresh, clean unleaded regular gasoline (typically 87 octane). The owner's manual says not to use premium gasoline, so 89 octane is unnecessary for normal mowing and does not improve performance on this engine.

What fuel to use for model 917380542

• Use unleaded regular gasoline (commonly 87 octane).
• Use fresh fuel; old gas causes hard starting, surging, and stalling.
• Fill carefully; do not overfill the tank.
• For storage, follow the manual’s fuel-system steps if the mower will sit.

Ethanol guidance (clear limits)

Most pump gas contains ethanol. For small engines like this mower, keep ethanol content at 10% or less.

• E10 (up to 10% ethanol): acceptable
• E15 (15% ethanol): avoid (exceeds the 10% limit)
• E85 (up to 85% ethanol): never use (not compatible with this type of engine)

Quick comparison: 87 vs 89 vs premium

Fuel choice	Use it?	What you gain	Notes
87 octane (regular)	Yes	Correct fuel for normal operation	Best choice when fresh and E10 or less
89 octane (mid-grade)	Not needed	No practical benefit	Costs more; ethanol content still matters
Premium (often 91 to 93)	No (per manual)	None	Manual says do not use premium gasoline

Why it matters

Using the correct octane and keeping ethanol at E10 or less helps prevent carburetor varnish, fuel-system corrosion during storage, and starting problems that can lead to extra repairs.

Last updated: February 2026