How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273052, a full engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, whether you reuse existing hardware, and local labor rates. Plan on about 5 to 7 labor hours for most riding mower engine swaps.
Engine replacement cost is usually a mix of parts, labor, and “while we’re in there” items.
- Engine price (new, remanufactured, or used)
- Labor time (shop rate times hours)
- Extra parts you may need (belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel parts)
- Deck and drive condition (worn components add time)
- Pickup/delivery fees (if you do not transport the tractor)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,500+ | Varies by horsepower, shaft size, and brand compatibility |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often 5 to 7 hours at common shop rates |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $25 to $200 | Fuel line, clamps, oil, filter, hardware |
| Total installed | $260 to $1,800 | Most jobs land in the middle of the range |
Before committing to an engine, we recommend confirming the problem is truly internal engine failure and not a starting, fuel, or safety interlock issue.
- Verify the battery and cables are clean and tight
- Confirm the starter circuit is working (solenoid, key switch, wiring)
- Check for spark and fuel delivery
- Inspect the PTO and safety switches for proper operation
- Make sure the engine is not hydrolocked (fuel in cylinder) or seized
If the tractor will not crank or only clicks, follow riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Even when the engine is the main issue, these related items often cause delays if they are worn or damaged.
- Ignition and PTO controls such as the switch 582107601
- Fuel system pieces (tank, grommets, stem, lines)
- Drive and deck wear items (idler pulleys, belts)
- Electrical connectors and harness routing
A correct engine match and a quick pre-check can prevent spending engine-level money on a no-start caused by a switch, wiring, or fuel delivery problem. It also helps avoid repeat labor if a worn control or fuel part fails right after the swap.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
For Craftsman model 917273052 (front-engine lawn tractor), the exact engine make and horsepower depend on the specific engine installed on your tractor; most Craftsman front-engine riders of this style use a single-cylinder gasoline engine in the mid-teen to low-20 HP range.
Use the engine ID tag on the engine itself (not the tractor frame). On most riding mowers, it’s on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter.
- Locate the engine label and write down engine brand (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Tecumseh, etc.)
- Record the engine model, type, and code/spec numbers
- Match those numbers when ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter)
- If the label is missing, look for stamped numbers on the shroud or valve cover
- Confirm the tractor model is 917273052 from the frame tag to avoid mix-ups
Most Craftsman tractors in this family are configured like this:
| Engine type | What it means | What you’ll notice |
|---|---|---|
| Single-cylinder OHV gas | Most common setup | Simple maintenance, good for flat to moderate yards |
| V-twin OHV gas | Higher output option | Smoother running, better under heavy mowing loads |
The engine brand and spec determine the correct maintenance parts and troubleshooting steps. For example, a no-start issue can point you toward fuel delivery, ignition, or safety interlocks, but the exact checks and parts vary by engine family.
If your tractor is having starting issues while you’re identifying the engine, use riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video for a fast diagnostic path.
These parts are on the tractor side (not inside the engine), but they commonly affect starting and operation:
- Switch 582107601 (PTO switch; can prevent blade engagement and sometimes affects interlock logic)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (worn key can cause intermittent contact)
- Lawn tractor ignition harness 532170238 (damaged wiring can cause no-crank or no-spark symptoms)
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 917273052. If you are asking about a different Craftsman 42-inch riding mower, the model number can vary by series and year; the fastest way to confirm is to match the ID tag on your tractor to the correct parts list.
We recommend checking the tractor’s product ID label (not the engine label). Common locations include:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat bracket
- On the frame near the rear wheels
- Under the hood near the dash tower
- Along the left or right side of the frame rail
- Near the mower deck lift area
A 42-inch deck describes the cutting width, but many Craftsman tractors share that size. The model number is what ensures you get the right belts, steering parts, electrical parts, and deck components.
| What you have | What it tells us | What to use for parts lookup |
|---|---|---|
| “42-inch” deck size | General fit category | Not specific enough by itself |
| Tractor model number (example: 917273052) | Exact configuration | Best match for diagrams and parts |
| Engine model/type | Engine-specific parts only | Use only for engine parts |
Once you confirm your tractor is 917273052, use the part diagrams and match by description and location. For example, if you are replacing a worn or missing wheel cap, use the exact part listing for the hub cap 532104757.
- Match the part by name and location on the diagram
- Confirm fasteners and retainers (clips, lock nuts) at the same time
- Replace worn pulleys and belts together when they show glazing or cracking
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong deck belt, PTO switch, steering linkage, or mandrel parts, which saves time and avoids repeat repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917273052 made?
Craftsman model 917273052 was made across a range of production years, not a single year. The exact build year is identified on the tractor’s model and serial number label (typically under the seat or on the frame near the seat pan); we use that serial information to match the correct parts and diagrams.
Look for a sticker or metal tag that lists the model and a longer serial number.
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Lift the seat and check the underside of the seat pan area first
- If you do not see it, check the frame rails near the seat and rear fender area
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown (letters and numbers)
- Use the serial number when ordering wear items like belts, steering parts, and electrical switches
Even within the same Craftsman model family, running changes can affect which parts fit.
| What you find | What it helps with | Example parts it impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917273052) | Confirms the correct tractor family | Deck and chassis diagrams |
| Serial number | Pins down the production run | Wiring, steering, and drive components |
| Engine model/type (if listed) | Matches engine-specific service parts | Fuel and ignition parts |
If you are troubleshooting or replacing parts, serial-based matching prevents wrong-part returns.
- PTO and safety switch styles (example: switch 582107601)
- Steering linkage geometry (example: drag link 532175572)
- Belt routing and idler setups (example: lawn tractor idler pulley 532139245)
The “year” is mainly useful because it narrows down which version of the tractor you have. For Craftsman tractors like the 917273052, the serial label is the fastest way to identify the correct parts for your exact build.
Last updated: February 2026
