What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917376571 include no-start conditions (stale fuel, dirty air filter, bad spark plug), loss of power from grass buildup under the deck, uneven cutting from a worn or bent blade, and excessive vibration from a loose blade or bent crankshaft. See the 917376571 owner's manual for the troubleshooting chart and maintenance intervals.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Won’t start: out of fuel, stale fuel, water in fuel, dirty air filter, spark plug wire off, bad spark plug
- Loss of power: cutting too much grass at once, deck packed with clippings, dirty air filter, walking speed too fast
- Poor cut (uneven): worn or bent blade, wheel height set unevenly, debris buildup under the mower housing
- Excessive vibration: loose blade hardware, damaged blade, bent engine crankshaft
- Starter rope hard to pull: blade dragging in grass, blade adapter issues, brake engaged when control bar is released
Quick checks we recommend before buying parts
- Use fresh gasoline; drain old fuel if it has been sitting 30+ days.
- Inspect and clean the underside of the deck (packed grass causes drag and power loss).
- Check blade condition and tightness; replace a bent or badly worn blade.
- Verify cutting height is even at all wheels.
- Do not adjust engine speed or carburetor; this model’s carburetor is not adjustable and engine speed is factory set.
Parts that commonly solve cut and vibration complaints
| Symptom | Likely fix | Example part for model 917376571 |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut | Replace damaged blade | Lawn mower blade 532406713 |
| Vibration | Tighten blade hardware | Lock nut 532409149 |
| Deck discharge issues | Repair chute/door | Lawn mower discharge chute door assembly 532193679 |
Why it matters
Most “big” mower problems start as simple maintenance issues. Keeping the blade sharp, the deck clean, and fuel fresh prevents hard starting, reduces engine strain, and improves cut quality.
Last updated: January 2026
What kind of gas do I put in my lawn mower?
For the Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917376571, use fresh regular unleaded gasoline. In most areas, E10 (up to 10% ethanol) is the standard and works well; avoid old fuel and don’t use premium as a “fix” for running problems. See the fuel and safety guidance in the 917376571 owner’s manual.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, clean regular unleaded from a reputable station.
- Use E10 if that’s what’s commonly sold in your area.
- Avoid stale fuel (especially fuel left in a can or tank from last season).
- Avoid higher-ethanol blends (commonly labeled E15, E20, E85) because they can cause hard starting and fuel-system issues.
- Don’t mix oil into the gas unless your engine specifically calls for a fuel mix (most walk-behind mowers are 4-cycle and use oil in the crankcase, not mixed in the tank).
Quick fuel checklist for reliable starting
- Fill with fresh gas; if it smells “varnishy,” replace it.
- Keep the gas can clean; replace rusty cans (rust and dirt cause problems).
- If the mower won’t start after refueling, check common basics: air filter, spark plug, and fuel freshness.
- Store fuel tightly sealed and out of heat.
Fuel storage and off-season tips
The manual guidance is clear: don’t store gasoline from one season to the next, and don’t store the mower indoors with gasoline in the tank where fumes could reach an ignition source.
| Situation | Best practice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly mowing | Buy small amounts of fuel | Keeps fuel fresh |
| Fuel older than ~30 days | Replace with fresh fuel | Reduces hard-start issues |
| End of season | Run the tank low and follow storage steps | Prevents stale-fuel problems |
Why it matters
Fuel quality is one of the top causes of “won’t start” complaints on walk-behind mowers. Fresh regular unleaded helps protect the carburetor, improves starting, and reduces surging and stalling.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917376571?
The model number is 917.376571; it identifies your specific Craftsman rotary lawn mower (6.75 HP, power-propelled, 22-inch Multi-Cut) for ordering the correct parts and following the right maintenance and safety instructions in the 917376571 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend confirming the model number directly on the mower’s ID label before ordering parts.
- Check the mower’s model/serial tag on the rear deck area or near the handle mounting brackets
- Wipe off grass and oil film so the numbers are readable
- Record the full model exactly as shown: 917.376571
- Keep the serial number too (helpful for production variations)
Why the exact model number matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers can look similar but use different blades, cables, and drive parts. Using 917.376571 helps match the correct diagrams and OEM replacement parts.
| What you’re doing | Use this identifier | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering parts | 917.376571 | Prevents wrong-fit parts |
| Looking up diagrams | 917.376571 | Matches the correct key numbers |
| Following specs and maintenance | 917.376571 | Keeps procedures consistent |
Examples of parts that depend on the model match
If you order by the wrong model family, common wear parts may not fit.
- Blade length and center hole pattern (example: lawn mower blade 532406713)
- Drive system components (cable, control, wheel parts)
- Discharge door and deflector hardware
- Handle and control bar parts
Why it matters
The model number is the fastest way to get the right Craftsman mower parts, avoid returns, and keep your mower cutting and self-propelling correctly.
Last updated: January 2026





