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Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917388020 are not being phased out everywhere at once; the shift is happening gradually as some states and local areas restrict new sales of certain gas-powered outdoor equipment, while many homeowners move to battery-electric for lower noise and simpler upkeep. For repairs and maintenance, gas models remain widely supported.
What this means for owners of Craftsman 917388020
Even as electric grows, keeping a gas mower running is straightforward because the core wear items (blade adapters, belts, cables, fasteners) are still common and serviceable.
- Plan on routine tune-up items: fresh fuel, clean air filter, good spark plug, correct engine oil level
- Expect seasonal fuel issues to be the #1 problem (stale fuel, water in fuel)
- Keep the deck clean to prevent power loss from grass buildup
- Store safely: let the engine cool before covering or storing indoors
- Use the correct hardware and tighten fasteners securely during repairs
For model-specific operating and safety guidance, follow the 917388020 owner's manual.
Where restrictions usually show up first
Most phase-out activity targets new equipment sales, not ownership or repairs. Common patterns include:
| Area | What changes first | What usually stays the same |
|---|---|---|
| State or local rules | New retail sales of some gas equipment | Use of existing mowers, parts availability |
| Retailer product mix | More electric models on the floor | Gas parts and service demand |
| Homeowner preference | Switching for noise and convenience | Gas for larger yards or heavy grass |
Why it matters
If you rely on a gas mower for thick grass or longer run time, maintaining your Craftsman 917388020 protects performance and avoids common no-start issues tied to fuel and ignition.
Quick maintenance tip that prevents most “won’t start” complaints
Use fresh gasoline and avoid storing fuel in the tank for long periods; stale fuel is a leading cause of starting trouble in walk-behind mowers.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 917388020 gas walk-behind lawn mower, we recommend using fresh regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) for normal operation. Higher octane (like 91) does not add power in small mower engines; fuel freshness and proper storage matter more for easy starting and smooth running.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded 87 octane.
- Avoid stale fuel; old gas is a top cause of no-start conditions.
- Avoid fuel contaminated with water or dirt.
- Use a clean, non-rusting gas can; rust and debris can create fuel problems.
- If the mower will sit, use a fuel stabilizer and follow the storage steps in the owner's manual.
Quick decision guide
| Situation | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly mowing during the season | 87 octane | Runs correctly in typical mower engines |
| Hard starting after sitting | Fresh 87 octane (replace old fuel) | Stale fuel causes starting issues |
| Storage between seasons | Fresh 87 + stabilizer | Helps prevent varnish and fuel breakdown |
Why it matters
Most “fuel problems” on walk-behind mowers come from stale gas, dirty fuel, or water in the tank, not from octane rating. Using the right fuel practices helps prevent no-start symptoms that often get blamed on the spark plug, carburetor, or ignition.
If your mower will not start after fueling
The troubleshooting guidance for this mower points to common fuel-related causes like out of fuel, stale fuel, and water in fuel. If you suspect old fuel, drain and refill with fresh gas, then check these basics:
- Air filter condition
- Spark plug wire connection
- Spark plug condition
- Control bar position (must be held in the run position)
- Blade and blade adapter tightness (a loose blade or adapter can cause problems)
If you are servicing the cutting system, the lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 is a common wear item that can contribute to vibration or blade fit issues.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917388020?
The model number is 917.388020; it’s printed on the mower’s identification label and shown on the cover of the Craftsman owner documentation for this gas walk-behind lawn mower. For confirmation and parts breakdowns, use the 917388020 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers list the model number on a label or plate attached to the deck or handle area.
- Check the rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
- Look around the handle mounting brackets
- Wipe off grass and dirt so the full number is readable
- Record the full model number exactly as shown (including the dot)
Model number formats you may see
You may see the same model written with or without the dot; both refer to the same mower.
| How it may appear | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.388020 | Standard Craftsman label format |
| 917388020 | Same model number without punctuation |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number ensures we match the correct Craftsman parts and diagrams for your mower, including common service items like the control cable 532168552 and the blade drive components.
Quick parts lookup tip
When ordering parts, match both the model number and the part identifier.
- Use model 917388020 to pull the correct diagrams
- Match the part name to the diagram location
- Confirm the part ID before ordering
Last updated: January 2026
