Craftsman 917388113 lawn mower Parts

On the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917388113, we find the model and serial number on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing (back of the deck), typically between the lower handle mounts. Use that exact model number when ordering parts or checking specs in the 917388113 owner's manual.

Where to look on the mower

Check these common spots on the rear of the deck:

• Back of the mower deck, facing you when you stand behind the handle
• Rear of the lawn mower housing near the discharge area
• Between the lower handle mounting points (where the handle brackets attach)
• On a sticker or metal decal that includes both model and serial information

What the label usually includes

The decal typically lists:

• Model number (example: 917.388113)
• Serial number
• Date of purchase field (often recorded by the owner, not printed)
• Basic product identification text

Why the model number matters

The model number is how we match the correct Craftsman parts list, diagrams, and specifications. Even small model changes can affect fit for items like the lawn mower blade, zone control cable, wheels, and handle hardware.

Quick ID checklist

Use this checklist before ordering parts:

Item to record	Why we need it
Model number	Matches the correct parts breakdown
Serial number	Helps confirm production version
Engine info (if shown)	Helps match tune-up parts

Last updated: January 2026

For the Craftsman 917388113 gas walk-behind mower, we recommend using regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. Higher octane (like 91) does not add power or improve reliability in small mower engines; it mainly matters for high-compression engines. Use fresh fuel and follow the fuel guidance in the 917388113 owner's manual.

What to use (and what to avoid)

• Use 87-octane unleaded from a busy station (fresher fuel).
• Use fresh gas; old fuel is a top cause of hard starting and rough running.
• Avoid fuel contaminated with water or dirt (keep the gas can clean and sealed).
• If your mower will sit, add fuel stabilizer and run the engine briefly to circulate it.
• Never mix oil into the gas unless your engine specifically calls for a fuel mix (most walk-behind mowers are 4-cycle and use straight gas).

Quick comparison: 87 vs 91 in a walk-behind mower

Fuel choice	What you get	Best use case
87 octane (regular)	Correct performance for typical mower engines	Everyday mowing
91 octane (premium)	No added cutting power or starting benefit	Only if it is the only fresh fuel available

Why it matters

Using the right fuel helps prevent carburetor varnish, hard starting, and surging. Fresh 87-octane gas plus basic maintenance (clean air filter, correct oil level, sharp blade) keeps the engine running cooler and more consistently.

Related maintenance that supports good running

• Keep the underside of the deck clean; built-up grass can reduce airflow and performance.
• Keep the blade sharp; replace a bent blade with the correct part for this model, such as the lawn mower blade 532406712 when needed.
• Store fuel properly and winterize before long storage using how to winterize a lawn mower.

Last updated: January 2026

The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind mower is 917.388113 (often written without the dot as 917388113). You’ll see it printed on the mower’s model label and on the cover page of the 917388113 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the mower

We recommend checking the mower’s model label first, then matching it to the manual.

• Look on the mower deck near the rear discharge area
• Check around the rear door or bagger opening
• Look near the handle mounting brackets
• Compare the label to the model shown in the manual

Model number vs. engine model number (common mix-up)

This mower uses a Briggs & Stratton engine, which has its own separate engine model number. Use the mower model number for chassis parts (blade, wheels, handle); use the engine model number for engine-specific parts.

What you’re identifying	Example from this mower	Used for
Mower model number	917.388113 (917388113)	Craftsman mower parts diagrams and chassis parts
Engine model number	122T02-3845-EA	Briggs & Stratton engine parts

Why it matters

Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong parts. For example, the correct blade and controls for this mower are tied to model 917388113, such as the lawn mower blade 532406712 and the lawn mower zone control cable 532183281.

Last updated: January 2026