BlueStars 532176556 176556 Engine Control Cable - for Craftsman Walk Behind Lawn Mower Murray Troy-bilt 21'' 22'' Self-Propelled - Replaces 162778 532162778

What It Is

This is a replacement engine control cable (part #532176556 / 176556) that engages the blade brake and throttle on walk-behind mowers. It’s designed for Craftsman, Murray, and Troy-Bilt 21” and 22” self-propelled mowers with Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh engines.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm these three things:

• Deck size & model: Only fits 21” and 22” walk-behinds (not 20” or larger riding mowers). Check your mower’s model number (starts with “917” for Craftsman, “11” for Murray, “12” for Troy-Bilt).
• OEM cross-reference: Replaces OEM #162778 and #532162778. If your original cable has a different number (e.g., 162779), measure the cable length—this cable is about 48” from end to end.
• Bracket & lever style: The cable ends have a 90° hook and a barrel end. If your mower uses a different clip or a straight pin, it won’t lock in. Also verify the handle bracket has a 3/8” hole for the cable housing.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket, not OEM. Most users report it fits and works fine, but a few note the outer jacket is slightly thinner than the original—this can cause kinking if bent too sharply during install.
• Installation difficulty: Easy (15–30 minutes). Tools needed: pliers, a 3/8” wrench, and possibly a flathead screwdriver to free the old cable from the bracket. No special skills required.
• Common gotchas: The cable may be slightly longer or shorter than your old one—if it’s too long, you’ll need to trim the housing (use a Dremel or hacksaw) and re-crimp the end. Also, the blade brake hook sometimes needs gentle bending to align with the lever.
• Compatibility tip: If your mower has a “Rapid-Fire” or “EZ-Spin” start system, this cable may not have the correct spring tension—check your owner’s manual for cable length and end type.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you need a budget-friendly replacement for a Craftsman, Murray, or Troy-Bilt 21”–22” self-propelled mower and you’re comfortable doing a basic cable swap. Skip it if your mower uses a unique bracket or a different OEM cable number (e.g., 162779) without verifying length—you’ll be better off with the exact OEM part to avoid trimming or bending.