Owner’s manual
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How to unflood a string trimmer?
If your Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773422 is flooded, clear the excess fuel by setting the throttle to FAST (if equipped), opening airflow (clean or temporarily remove the air filter), and pulling the starter until it fires; then reinstall the filter and restart normally using the steps in the 917773422 owner's manual.
Quick unflood steps (safe and effective)
- Move the unit to a well-ventilated area.
- Set the throttle control lever to FAST (the manual lists incorrect throttle position as a no-start cause).
- Check the air filter; a dirty air filter can prevent starting and mimic flooding.
- Pull the starter rope several times to move fresh air through the engine.
- Once it starts, let it run briefly, then shut it down and restart normally.
What to check if it still will not start
The troubleshooting chart for this model points to a few common no-start items that often show up after flooding:
| What to check | What it affects | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Air filter | Airflow, starting | Clean or replace if dirty |
| Fuel quality | Starting, running | Drain stale fuel and refill with fresh gasoline |
| Spark plug wire | Ignition | Make sure it is firmly connected |
| Spark plug | Ignition | Replace if fouled or worn |
Why it matters
A flooded engine has too much fuel and not enough air to ignite. Restoring airflow (air filter condition and throttle position) gets the air-fuel mix back into a range where the spark plug can light it.
Prevent flooding next time
- Start with the throttle in the correct position (FAST if equipped).
- Keep the air filter serviced; the manual notes a dirty filter can cause poor running and starting.
- Use fresh fuel and avoid storing fuel long-term in the tank.
Last updated: January 2026
Which is better, .080 or .095 trimmer line?
For the Craftsman 917773422 high wheel line trimmer, neither .080 nor .095 is the better choice because this model is specified for .155-inch trimmer line cut to 18-3/4 inches; using the correct diameter helps prevent vibration, poor cutting, and premature wear. See the 917773422 owner's manual for the exact line spec and replacement steps.
What .080 vs .095 really changes
Both sizes are smaller than what your 917773422 is designed to run, but here is the practical difference between them:
- .095-inch: thicker, more durable, better for heavier weeds
- .080-inch: thinner, easier on light grass, typically wears faster
- Both can reduce cutting performance on a trimmer designed for .155-inch line
- Undersized line can slip, break more often, and increase trimming time
What we recommend for model 917773422
Use what the manual specifies for best results and to keep the trimmer head balanced.
| Item | Spec for Craftsman 917773422 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Line diameter | .155 inch | Correct fit and cutting power |
| Line length (each piece) | 18-3/4 inches | Helps keep the head balanced |
| Replace when | Worn to half original length | Maintains performance and reduces job time |
Quick tips to make line last longer
These habits matter as much as line size:
- Cut with the ends of the line, not the middle
- Move slowly in thick, heavy weeds
- Trim along fences and edges using the left side of the trimmer
- Replace line when it is worn to less than half its original length
- Avoid letting the trimmer head ride on concrete or asphalt (it can wear the ball on the bottom of the head faster)
Why it matters
Line diameter is not just about durability; it affects how the line seats in the carrier plate, how smoothly the head spins, and whether the trimmer vibrates. On the 917773422, matching the .155-inch spec keeps cutting consistent and protects the trimmer head components.
Last updated: January 2026
Why does my gas trimmer keep turning off?
If your Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773422 starts and then shuts off, the most common causes are low or incorrect oil level, fuel delivery restriction, or ignition issues (often a worn spark plug). Start with the basics in the 917773422 owner's manual, then check fuel quality and airflow.
Quick checks that fix most shut-off problems
- Verify the engine oil level is correct; this model uses 20 oz oil capacity and overfilling can cause smoking and poor running.
- Use fresh gasoline; old fuel and rust or dirt in the gas can cause running problems.
- Check the spark plug condition and gap; the manual lists Champion J19LM or RJ19LM with a .030 in gap.
- Inspect the air filter (if equipped) and cooling fins for heavy debris that can cause overheating.
- Make sure the operator controls are being held correctly; the trimmer head stops when the control bar is released.
Step-by-step troubleshooting (in the order we recommend)
- Oil level first: With the trimmer level, check the dipstick and correct the level. Too little oil can trigger rapid power loss; too much oil can cause rough running.
- Fuel next: Drain old fuel, refill with fresh fuel, and confirm the fuel cap vent is not blocked.
- Spark plug: Replace if fouled, wet, or heavily carboned; set the gap to .030 in.
- Carburetor/fuel flow: If it runs only with choke or dies under load, clean the carburetor and check the fuel line and filter for restriction.
Symptoms and what they usually mean
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Runs 1 to 5 minutes, then dies | Fuel restriction or cap venting | Fresh fuel, check venting |
| Dies when you engage drive/head | Control not held, belt/drive load | Verify control operation |
| Starts, smokes, then stalls | Oil overfilled | Set oil to proper level |
| Misfires, won’t restart hot | Spark plug failing | Replace spark plug |
Why it matters
Repeated stalling is hard on the ignition and fuel system, and it can also lead to unsafe handling if the trimmer stops unexpectedly while you are maneuvering on uneven ground.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the easiest trimmer head to load?
On the Craftsman 917773422 high wheel line trimmer, the easiest “head to load” is the factory fixed-line trimmer head because you replace short pieces of cutting line instead of opening a spool and winding it. Follow the line replacement steps in the 917773422 owner's manual.
What “easy to load” means on this model
This trimmer is designed for quick line changes: you remove worn line and install new line segments in the head. The manual’s troubleshooting guidance also points to using the correct line size and installing it correctly so the head retains the line.
What we do for the quickest reload
- Shut the engine off and wait for the head to stop completely
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before servicing the head
- Replace line when it gets short or trimming performance drops
- Install equal lengths on both sides so it cuts evenly
- Use the line diameter specified for Craftsman 917773422 in the manual
Quick comparison: fixed-line head vs spool heads
| Head style | What you do to reload | Typical effort |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-line head (this trimmer) | Swap in pre-cut line pieces | Lowest |
| Bump-feed spool | Open head, wind line, reassemble | Medium to high |
| “Speed-feed” style spool | Feed line through and twist to wind | Medium |
If the head will not retain the line
The manual’s troubleshooting points to three common causes: line not installed correctly, a broken retainer clip, or incorrect line size.
- Reinstall the line carefully and make sure it is seated/locked
- Confirm you are using the correct diameter line for this model
- Inspect the head components for wear or damage
- If the cutting head assembly is damaged, replace the high-wheel line trimmer spindle housing assembly 532174543
Why it matters
Correct line size and proper installation prevent line from flying out, reduce vibration, and restore normal trimming performance so the trimmer cuts cleanly without repeated stops.
Last updated: January 2026
