What kind of gas do I put in my push lawn mower?
For the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917385270, use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline. Avoid old or contaminated fuel because stale fuel or water in the gas is a common reason a mower will not start. For fuel and safety details, follow the 917385270 owner's manual.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh unleaded gasoline from a clean fuel can.
- Avoid stale fuel (gas that has been sitting for weeks or months).
- Avoid fuel that may contain water (often from poor storage or condensation).
- Do not use gasoline from a rusty or dirty container.
- If the mower has been stored with fuel, plan to drain and replace it before the first mow of the season.
Quick troubleshooting if the mower will not start
Stale fuel and water in fuel are listed causes of a no-start condition for this mower. If it cranks but will not fire:
- Check the tank level and add fresh gas.
- Drain the tank and refill if the fuel smells sour or looks dark.
- Inspect the spark plug wire connection.
- Check for a loose blade or a damaged blade adapter.
Fuel-related symptoms and the most likely fix
| Symptom | Most likely fuel issue | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Starts then dies | Stale fuel or water in fuel | Drain tank, refill with fresh unleaded |
| Will not start after storage | Old gas left in tank/carburetor | Replace fuel; follow storage steps in the manual |
| Runs rough or surges | Contaminated fuel | Replace fuel; use a clean container |
Why it matters
Fresh unleaded gasoline helps the carburetor and fuel system stay clean and prevents hard starting. Fuel that has absorbed moisture or gone stale can cause no-start problems and poor performance.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 917385270 lawn mower?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 917.385270 (often written without the dot as 917385270). You’ll see it printed on the mower’s model decal and on the cover of the 917385270 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We use the model number to match the correct parts list, blade, and hardware for your exact mower.
- Look for a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing.
- Record the model number and serial number for future parts lookup.
- Use the full model number when ordering common wear items like a blade adapter or zone control cable.
- If the decal is dirty or faded, wipe the area clean and use a flashlight to read it.
Model number formats you may see
Both formats refer to the same mower.
| How it may appear | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.385270 | Standard manual/decal format |
| 917385270 | Same model number without punctuation |
Why it matters
Craftsman model numbers can look similar, and a single digit difference can change the correct 22-inch blade, handle hardware, or control cable. Using 917.385270 helps ensure you get parts that fit and install correctly.
Related parts commonly matched by model number
If you are confirming the model so you can replace a cutting part, these are examples of model-matched items shown in the parts list:
- Lawn mower 22-in deck mulching blade 532406713
- Lawn mower blade adapter 532418373
- Lawn mower engine zone control cable 582991501
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find model number on Craftsman lawn mower?
On the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917385270, we find the model and serial number on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. This label is the fastest way to confirm the exact model before ordering parts or using the correct maintenance specs from the 917385270 owner's manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common spots in order:
- Rear of the mower deck housing (most common on this model)
- Back edge of the deck near the discharge area
- Near the handle mounting points on the deck
- On the engine shroud (engine model label, not the mower model)
- Under heavy grass buildup (wipe the deck clean and look again)
What the label usually shows
The decal typically includes both identifiers you need for parts lookup and service.
| What you’ll see | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Model number (917385270) | Ensures diagrams and parts match your exact mower |
| Serial number | Helps identify production run details and correct replacements |
| Basic safety text | Confirms you are reading the mower housing decal |
Tips to read a worn or dirty model decal
If the decal is hard to read, these steps usually solve it:
- Brush off dried grass and dirt first
- Wipe with a damp rag and a small amount of mild soap
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to make faded printing stand out
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to read the numbers
- Write down both the model and serial number before ordering parts
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, cable, or hardware. For example, the parts list for this mower includes items like the lawn mower 22-in deck mulching blade 532406713 and the lawn mower engine zone control cable 582991501, which must match the exact mower configuration.
Last updated: January 2026





