Owner’s manual
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How old is my mower by serial number?
On Craftsman gas walk-behind mowers like model 917388801, the serial number is mainly used to identify the unit for service and parts; the most reliable way to determine the mower’s age is to match the serial number on the rear housing decal to the manufacturing date information and records referenced in the 917388801 owner’s manual.
Where to find the serial number on model 917388801
The model and serial numbers are printed on a decal on the rear of the mower housing.
- Look at the back of the deck (mower housing), near the rear discharge area.
- Clean grass and dirt off the decal so every digit is readable.
- Write down both the model number (917388801) and the full serial number.
- If the decal is damaged, check for a second ID label on the deck or handle support.
How to estimate the mower’s age from the serial number
Craftsman serial formats vary by production run and manufacturer, so the “date code” is not always obvious. Use these practical checks:
- Look for a date-like block in the serial (often 6 digits) that could match MMDDYY or YYMMDD.
- If the serial begins with 2 digits that repeat elsewhere, those often represent a year or week of year.
- Compare the serial format to the identification section in the manual and your purchase paperwork.
- If your mower has a Honda engine (common on this model family), the engine itself has its own ID tag; that can help narrow the timeframe.
Quick serial code patterns (common examples)
| Pattern you see | Often means | Example interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| MMDDYY | Month, day, year | 041506 = April 15, 2006 |
| YYMMDD | Year, month, day | 060415 = April 15, 2006 |
| YYWW | Year, week of year | 0620 = 20th week of 2006 |
Why it matters
Knowing the approximate build date helps us match the correct parts and diagrams, especially for wear items like the drive belt, blade adapter, and control cable. For example, if you’re servicing the cutting system, the lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 is a common fit point that must match your exact configuration.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 917388801 gas walk-behind lawn mower, we recommend using regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. Higher octane (like 91) does not add power or improve reliability in this type of small 4-cycle mower engine; fresh, clean fuel matters more. For fuel and operating details, follow the Craftsman 917388801 owner's manual.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh 87-octane unleaded from a clean gas can.
- Avoid stale fuel (old gas is a top cause of no-start issues).
- Keep dirt and rust out of the tank; the manual notes that rust or dirt in gasoline will cause problems.
- Do not store gasoline from one season to the next.
- Let the engine cool before storing the mower indoors.
Quick comparison: 87 vs 91 in a walk-behind mower
| Fuel choice | What you get | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Correct performance for most mower engines | Everyday mowing |
| 91 octane (premium) | No added power in typical mower engines | Only if it is the freshest fuel available |
If the mower runs rough or will not start
Fuel quality and basic tune-up items usually fix it faster than switching octane.
- Drain and replace old fuel if it smells sour or looks dark
- Check the air filter and replace if dirty
- Inspect the spark plug and replace if worn
- Make sure the spark plug wire is firmly connected
- If the pull cord is hard to pull, stop and check for a blade obstruction
For step-by-step help, use lawn mower wont start troubleshooting video fuel ignition and compression.
Why it matters
Using the right fuel helps prevent hard starting, surging, and carburetor issues. With the 917388801, fresh fuel and clean storage practices do more for engine life than paying extra for premium octane.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917388801?
The model number for this Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower is 917.388801 (often written without the dot as 917388801). You can confirm it on the identification label and on the cover page of the Craftsman 917388801 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Look for the model number 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 handle support or rear frame area
- On a sticker or metal tag that also lists serial information
How the model number may be written
You may see the same model shown in different formats. These are equivalent:
| Format you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.388801 | Standard manual/label format |
| 917388801 | Same model number without the dot |
Why it matters
We use the exact model number to match the correct parts diagrams and replacement parts for your mower, including items like the walk-behind lawn mower engine zone control cable 583127001 and other handle, deck, and drive components.
Last updated: January 2026
