Does it matter what gas I put in my lawn mower?
Yes. For a Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917384370, the right gas helps it start easier, run smoother, and avoid carburetor and fuel-system problems. In most cases, regular unleaded gasoline is the correct choice; avoid old fuel and minimize ethanol when possible.
What gas to use (best practice)
- Use fresh regular unleaded gasoline.
- If ethanol-free gas is available, it typically stores better and helps reduce varnish buildup.
- If you use E10 (10% ethanol), keep it fresh and do not store it long-term in the tank.
- Do not use “race fuel” or high-octane fuel as a fix for starting or running issues.
- Never use gasoline that smells sour, looks dark, or has been sitting for months.
Quick fuel guide
| Fuel type | OK to use? | When it makes sense |
|---|---|---|
| Regular unleaded (fresh) | Yes | Everyday mowing |
| E10 (fresh) | Yes | Common pump gas; use quickly |
| Ethanol-free (fresh) | Yes | Best for storage and fewer fuel issues |
| Old/stale gas | No | Drain and replace |
If the mower runs rough after refueling
- Drain the tank and refill with fresh gas.
- Check the air filter and spark plug condition.
- Inspect for water in fuel (surging, sputtering, won’t start after sitting).
- If the blade hit something, check for vibration and stop using it until inspected.
- For seasonal storage, follow a proven storage routine like how to winterize a lawn mower.
Why it matters
Fuel quality is one of the biggest factors in walk-behind mower reliability. Stale or ethanol-heavy fuel can leave deposits that restrict the carburetor, leading to hard starting, surging, and stalling.
Last updated: January 2026
How to find Craftsman model number?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917384370, the model number is typically printed on a product ID sticker on the mower deck. On many Craftsman decks, that sticker is on the rear of the deck near the lower handle mounting points.
Where to look on model 917384370
Check these common sticker locations on the mower deck:
- Back (rear) of the deck, between the lower handle mounts
- Rear-facing surface of the deck just above the discharge opening area
- Side of the deck near a rear wheel height adjuster bracket
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area (less common)
What the label looks like
Most Craftsman walk-behind mower ID labels include:
- Model number (example format: 917.XXXXXX or 917XXXXXX)
- Serial number
- Sometimes an engine model/type/code (engine label is usually on the engine itself)
Quick ID tips
- Wipe dirt and grass off the deck; the sticker is often hidden by buildup.
- Use a flashlight and look at a low angle to read faded printing.
- If the sticker is damaged, take a photo and zoom in to read it.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable
Use these practical workarounds to confirm the correct parts list:
- Match parts by deck and handle hardware you can see (knobs, bolts, brackets)
- Compare your mower’s blade mounting setup (adapter style, bolt pattern)
- Start with common deck hardware and confirm fit by diagram placement
| What you can still identify | Where to check | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Deck hardware | Handle mounts and rear deck area | Confirms chassis family |
| Blade mounting style | Under the deck at the blade | Confirms adapter and fasteners |
| Handle knobs/bolts | Upper and lower handle joints | Confirms handle assembly version |
A common part tied to blade mounting is the lawn mower blade adapter 581547901, which helps connect the blade to the engine crankshaft.
Why it matters
Using the exact model number (like 917384370) prevents ordering the wrong Craftsman mower parts, especially for blade adapters, brackets, and handle hardware that can look similar but mount differently.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917384370?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 917384370. You’ll find it on the mower’s model tag; using the exact model number helps us match the correct Craftsman parts diagrams and replacement parts for your mower.
Where to find the model number on a walk-behind mower
On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the model tag is located in one of these common spots:
- On the rear of the mower deck near the discharge chute
- On the side of the deck near a rear wheel
- Near the engine mounting area on the deck
- On the handle support bracket (less common)
If the tag is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and use a flashlight to read the stamped or printed numbers.
What to record from the model tag
For the best parts match, we recommend writing down:
- Model number: 917384370
- Product number (if shown)
- Engine model and type (often on the engine shroud)
- Any revision numbers or date codes
Why the exact model number matters
Craftsman mowers can look similar across multiple production runs, but parts like blade adapters, height adjuster hardware, and handle fasteners can differ. Using 917384370 helps ensure you get the right fit the first time.
| What you’re checking | What it affects | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number | Deck, handle, wheels, brackets | Correct diagrams for 917384370 |
| Engine model/type | Tune-up and engine parts | Spark plug, air filter, carburetor parts |
| Hardware size/style | Safe assembly and alignment | Nuts, washers, clips |
Related parts you may see on this model
If you’re identifying hardware while confirming the model tag, these are examples of parts listed for Craftsman 917384370:
- Lock nut 596322601 (fastener used in various mower assemblies)
- Walk-behind lawn mower handle knob 532087692 (handle adjustment/retention)
- Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 (connects blade to engine crankshaft)
Helpful DIY guidance
If you’re confirming the model because you’re planning maintenance, these guides help with common walk-behind mower tasks:
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917384370?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 917384370. You’ll typically find it on the mower’s model and serial number label; using the exact model number helps us match the correct diagrams and replacement parts for your mower.
Where to find the model number on the mower
On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the model/serial label is located in one of these common spots:
- On the rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
- On the top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- On the back flap area behind the engine (near the handle brackets)
- Near a wheel height adjuster bracket
- On the frame near the handle mounting points
How to confirm you have the right parts for model 917384370
Once you confirm the label reads 917384370, match parts by diagram location and description. These are examples of parts listed for this model:
- Walk-behind lawn mower handle knob 532087692 (handle hardware)
- Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 (connects blade to the engine crankshaft)
- Knob 532701037 (commonly used on height adjuster or control hardware)
Quick part reference (examples)
| Part name | Part ID | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-behind lawn mower handle knob | 532087692 | Secures/adjusts handle sections |
| Lawn mower blade adapter | 581547901 | Mounts blade to crankshaft |
| Knob | 532701037 | Adjuster/control knob (varies by diagram) |
Why it matters
Craftsman model numbers can look similar, and even small differences can change the blade mount, handle hardware, or deck components. Using 917384370 prevents ordering the wrong fasteners, brackets, or blade-mount parts.
If the label is missing or unreadable
Use these checks to narrow it down before ordering:
- Measure deck cutting width (common sizes are 21 in. and 22 in.)
- Note the engine brand and model stamped on the engine shroud
- Compare your handle and height adjuster style to the diagrams
- Check whether your mower is self-propelled or push-only
If you’re servicing the blade area, our DIY guide lawn mower blade removal tool helps you remove the blade safely and avoid damaging the crankshaft.
Last updated: January 2026





