532183281 183281 Lawn Mower Throttle Cable for Craftsman 917 Parts Poulan Weed Eater Rotary Lawn Mower Engine Zone Control Cable 183281 198463 183281 198463

What It Is

This is a replacement throttle control cable (part numbers 532183281, 183281, 198463) that connects your mower’s throttle lever to the engine carburetor or governor. It controls engine speed (choke, fast, slow, stop) on Craftsman 917 series, Poulan, and Weed Eater rotary lawn mowers. Used for repairing broken, sticky, or snapped cables.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Check model numbers: Works with Craftsman 917 series (e.g., 917.388550, 917.388560) and many Poulan/Weed Eater mowers. Verify your mower’s model plate (under seat or on deck) includes these prefixes.
• Measure cable length: Overall cable length is approximately 45 inches; housing length is about 34 inches. Confirm your old cable matches these dimensions—too short or long will not route correctly.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is an OEM-style replacement (not genuine Craftsman). It fits most direct-replacement applications but may have slightly different end fittings. Compare the wire loop and bracket shape to your old cable.
• Deck size not relevant: Fitment depends on the engine and control linkage, not deck width. Ignore deck size listings.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the old cable from the throttle lever, route the new one along the handlebar, and reconnect at the engine. Basic hand tools (screwdriver, pliers) required.
• Common gotcha: The cable end may need minor bending or filing to fit the carburetor bracket. Check the slot width before forcing.
• Quality: Cable is sheathed in plastic with metal ends. It’s durable for residential use but not heavy-duty commercial grade. Some users report the housing is slightly thinner than OEM.
• Lubrication: Apply light oil to the cable before installation to reduce friction and extend life. Avoid grease—it attracts dirt.

Should You Buy It

If your Craftsman 917, Poulan, or Weed Eater mower’s throttle cable is broken, frayed, or sticking, this is a reliable, low-cost fix. It’s not for commercial mowers or non-standard cable lengths. For the price and high ratings, it’s a safe bet for DIY repair—just double-check your cable length and be ready to tweak the ends for a perfect fit.