Craftsman 917377563 rotary lawn mower Parts

For Craftsman model 917377563, use fresh, clean regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane; 87 is the right choice for normal mowing. Higher octane (like 91) is not required for this mower and does not improve performance in typical use; follow the fuel guidance in the 917377563 owner's manual.

What to use (and what to avoid)

• Use regular unleaded 87 octane (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 engine setup).
• Avoid old fuel, especially fuel that has been sitting through long storage.
• Be cautious with alcohol-blended fuels; they can attract moisture and cause fuel-system issues during storage.

Quick comparison: 87 vs 91 in this mower

Fuel choice	Works in 917377563?	What you should expect
87 octane (regular)	Yes (recommended)	Normal starting, power, and reliability when fuel is fresh
91 octane (premium)	Yes (allowed)	No meaningful benefit for mowing; costs more

If the mower runs rough after fueling

If you notice hard starting, surging, or stalling, the issue is usually fuel freshness or fuel contamination, not octane. We recommend these checks:

• Drain old gas and refill with fresh 87 octane.
• Check the air filter and replace if dirty.
• Inspect the spark plug and replace if fouled.
• If the mower sat more than 30 days with fuel, run the engine until the carburetor is empty before storage (per the manual’s storage guidance).

Why it matters

Using the correct fuel helps prevent carburetor varnish, moisture-related fuel separation, and starting problems. Fresh 87 octane regular unleaded supports reliable performance and reduces avoidable fuel-system troubleshooting.

Last updated: January 2026

Most walk-behind gas lawn mowers, including the Craftsman 917377563, typically last 8 to 10 years with regular maintenance and proper storage. Keeping up with oil changes, blade care, and fastener checks is what most often separates a short-lived mower from a long-lived one.

What most affects lifespan

A mower’s life is mainly determined by engine care, cutting system condition, and how it’s stored between seasons. The Craftsman 917377563 owner information emphasizes routine maintenance and end-of-season storage steps in the 917377563 owner's manual.

• Change engine oil on schedule (commonly every 25 hours of use or at least yearly)
• Keep the blade sharp and replace bent or damaged blades
• Check and tighten nuts, bolts, screws, and pins periodically
• Clean grass and debris from the deck and exterior after mowing
• Store the mower clean and dry if it will sit 30 days or more

Typical lifespan by use (quick guide)

Usage pattern	Typical lifespan	What usually wears first
Light residential (small yard)	10+ years	Blade, belt, wheels
Average residential	8 to 10 years	Drive system parts, blade adapter
Heavy residential (large yard, frequent mowing)	5 to 8 years	Engine wear, self-propel components

Parts that commonly shorten lifespan when neglected

These are normal wear items; replacing them on time helps protect the engine and drive system.

• Blade and blade mounting hardware (vibration and poor cut quality if worn)
• Drive belt (loss of self-propel or slipping); see belt 532157769
• Blade adapter (blade wobble and vibration)
• Wheels and height adjust components

Why it matters

A mower that is maintained and stored correctly cuts cleaner, runs cooler, and vibrates less. That reduces stress on the crankshaft, blade adapter, and drive components, which is the most common path to expensive failures.

Last updated: January 2026

The model number is 917.377563 (often written without the dot as 917377563) for this Craftsman rotary lawn mower. You’ll see it printed on the mower’s model tag and it’s also listed in the parts list inside the 917377563 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the mower

Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers place the model tag on the deck or rear housing. Check these common spots:

• On top of the mower deck near the engine
• On the rear of the deck near the bagger door
• Near the height adjuster area on the side of the deck
• Under the handle mounting area (rear frame)

Model number vs. engine model number (common confusion)

This mower has two different identifiers: the mower model number and the engine model number. The engine number is used for engine-specific parts (carburetor, recoil starter, ignition), while the mower model number is used for deck, wheels, drive system, and controls.

What you’re identifying	Example from documentation	Used for
Mower model number	917.377563	Mower parts diagrams and chassis parts
Engine model number	143.996510	Engine parts and tune-up components

Why it matters

Using the correct model number (917377563) helps us match the right Craftsman parts for your exact deck and drive setup, such as the control cable, drive belt, wheels, and blade hardware.

Helpful next steps when ordering parts

• Use 917377563 when searching mower parts and diagrams
• Use the engine model number when ordering engine-only parts
• Match the part description to your symptom (drive issue, cutting issue, wheel issue)
• For blade service, follow safe removal steps in lawn mower blade removal tool

Last updated: January 2026