Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For your Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917377420, use 87-octane (regular) unleaded gasoline. Higher octane (like 91) does not add power in small mower engines; it is mainly for engines designed for it, so regular fuel is the right choice for normal mowing.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline (87 octane).
- Avoid stale fuel; it is a common cause of no-start and rough running.
- Keep fuel clean; dirt or rust in the gas can lead to carburetor problems.
- Do not store gasoline from one season to the next.
- Let the engine cool before storing the mower indoors.
Quick fuel guidance table
| Fuel choice | OK for 917377420? | What you can expect |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes | Normal starting and performance |
| 91 octane (premium) | Yes, but unnecessary | No added power; extra cost |
| Old gas (weeks to months old) | No | Hard starting, surging, loss of power |
| Gas contaminated with water/dirt | No | No-start, sputtering, carburetor issues |
If it will not start after fueling
The manual troubleshooting chart for this mower points to fuel quality and ignition basics first. Check these in order:
- Confirm you have fresh fuel in the tank (not last season’s gas).
- Make sure the spark plug wire is connected.
- Check for stale fuel or water in fuel; drain and refill with fresh gasoline if needed.
- Inspect and service the air filter if it is dirty.
- If the spark plug is worn, replace it.
Why it matters
Using the correct fuel (and keeping it fresh) prevents hard-start complaints and helps protect the carburetor and engine from deposits and contamination. The manual also notes that a clogged, dirty engine area can run hotter and shorten engine life, so clean operation and good fuel go together.
For operating and maintenance details specific to model 917377420, follow the 917377420 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On your Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917377420, the model and serial number are printed on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing. Use that decal information when ordering parts or scheduling service; it helps match the correct diagrams and components.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common decal locations first (starting with the most likely for model 917377420):
- Rear of the mower deck (rear of the housing, near the discharge area)
- Back edge of the deck, just above the rear wheels
- Rear panel area below the handle brackets
- On the deck surface near the engine mounting area (less common)
For pictures and the exact identification notes for this mower, use the 917377420 owner's manual.
What to write down (and why)
Record the information exactly as shown on the decal.
- Model number (example: 917.377420 may appear with a dot on the decal)
- Serial number
- Date of purchase (helpful for maintenance records)
Why it matters
The model number gets you the right parts list for the mower itself (blade, belt, wheels, drive system). The serial number can help confirm the correct version when there were production changes.
Quick ID checklist
Use this table to avoid mix-ups when ordering parts.
| What you’re doing | What you should use | Example for this mower |
|---|---|---|
| Finding mower deck and drive parts | Model number on the rear decal | 917377420 |
| Confirming the exact build/version | Serial number on the same decal | (varies by unit) |
| Replacing cutting parts | Model number plus blade specs | 22-in deck is common on this series |
Related parts that often require the model number
Once you have the model number, these are common wear items customers replace on walk-behind mowers:
- Blade (example part: lawn mower blade 532406713)
- Blade adapter
- Drive belt
- Drive control cable
Last updated: January 2026
How do I find out what kind of lawn mower I have?
To identify what kind of lawn mower you have, match the brand and model number on the mower’s ID label to the information in the 917377420 owner's manual. For Craftsman model 917377420, you will typically use one diagram for the mower (deck, wheels, drive) and a separate diagram for the engine.
Where to look for the model information
We recommend checking these common spots on a Craftsman rotary lawn mower:
- Rear of the mower deck near the discharge area
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Under the handle brackets or near the height adjusters
- On a sticker or metal tag with the model and serial number
- In the paperwork that came with the mower (manual packet)
What “kind” usually means (and what to record)
When customers say “what kind of mower,” they usually need details for parts lookup or service. Record these items:
- Brand (Craftsman)
- Mower model number (example: 917377420)
- Engine brand and engine model/type code (listed on the engine itself)
- Deck size (often 21 to 22 inches on many walk-behind rotary mowers)
- Drive type (push vs. self-propelled)
Mower vs. engine: which diagram to use
Many repairs require identifying whether the part belongs to the mower chassis or the engine.
| What you’re fixing | Usually found under | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting and deck parts | Mower diagrams | Blade, blade adapter, wheels, height adjusters |
| Self-propel drive parts | Mower diagrams | Drive belt, pulleys, drive control cable |
| Starting/running issues | Engine diagrams | Spark plug, air filter, carburetor, recoil starter |
Why it matters
Using the correct mower model number and engine model information prevents ordering the wrong parts and helps you follow the right maintenance steps (like checking fasteners, cleaning, and blade service) for your specific Craftsman mower.
Last updated: January 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman walk-behind mowers like model 917377420 are commonly built with engines sourced from major small-engine manufacturers (most often Briggs & Stratton, and sometimes other suppliers depending on the production run). The most reliable way to confirm the exact engine brand on your mower is to match the engine ID on the shroud to the engine information listed in the 917377420 owner's manual.
How to identify the engine brand on your 917377420
Use the engine’s model-type-code (or model-family) label, not the mower deck label.
- Look on top of the engine shroud, near the pull starter, or by the muffler heat shield
- Find the engine model and code numbers (often stamped or on a sticker)
- Compare those numbers to the engine section in the 917377420 owner's manual
- If the label is missing, check for a stamped number on the blower housing
- Use the engine model to buy the correct tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, carburetor parts)
What you can expect (typical Craftsman sourcing)
Craftsman has historically used multiple engine suppliers across different mower lines and years. For gas walk-behind mowers, the most common engine brands you will see include:
| What you see on the engine | What it means for parts | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton branding | Engine parts are matched by engine model-code | Use engine model-code when ordering |
| No clear branding | Branding may be on a faded decal or stamped ID | Locate stamped ID and cross-check manual |
| Mixed Craftsman/Husqvarna markings | Deck and drive parts differ from engine parts | Order deck/drive parts by mower model |
Why it matters
The mower model 917377420 helps us match deck and drive items (like the lawn mower blade 532406713 or belt 532157769), but engine parts must be matched to the engine’s own model numbers. That prevents wrong-fit ignition, fuel, and maintenance parts.
Last updated: January 2026





