Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917276010 garden tractor is worth it when the tractor’s deck, transaxle, steering, and frame are solid and you want more years of reliable mowing for less than the cost of a comparable new rider. Use the 917276010 owner's manual to confirm safe service steps and basic maintenance checks before you commit.
Quick decision checklist
- The mower deck is not rusted through and the mandrel area is solid.
- The transaxle drives smoothly (no slipping, grinding, or leaking).
- Steering and front axle are tight (no severe wobble).
- You can source the correct engine and any required pulleys, wiring, and mounting hardware.
- Total repair cost stays well below the price of a similar replacement tractor.
Cost and value: what to compare
Engine swaps can be cost-effective, but only if the rest of the tractor is in good condition.
| Item to compare | Replace engine | Replace tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Downtime | Longer (DIY time) | Shorter |
| Reliability | High if the rest is sound | High |
| Parts reuse | Keeps deck and attachments | Starts fresh |
What to inspect before spending money
We recommend checking these common wear areas first because they determine whether an engine swap turns into a bigger rebuild:
- Deck condition: look for cracks, heavy rust, and bent hangers.
- Belt drive system: inspect belt routing, idlers, and pulleys; a worn idler can cause poor blade drive (see lawn tractor blade idler pulley 532177968).
- PTO engagement: if the blades do not engage consistently, test the switch and wiring (see switch.pto 582107601).
- Fuel system basics: old fuel and debris shorten engine life; keep the tractor clean and avoid forcing water into the engine/transmission area.
Safety and service basics (before any repair)
Follow the shutdown steps in the manual before working around blades, belts, wiring, or the engine:
- Set parking brake and place controls in neutral.
- Disengage the attachment clutch.
- Turn the key to STOP and remove it.
- Wait for all moving parts to stop.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire.
Why it matters
An engine replacement only pays off when it restores a dependable mower. If the deck drive, PTO controls, or drivetrain are already failing, you can end up replacing multiple high-cost parts and lose the savings.
For parts shopping, start with the parts list for model 917276010, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman garden tractor model 917276010, the owner’s manual identifies it as a 25.0 HP riding tractor with a low-emission engine. The manual focuses on operation and safety; for the exact engine make and model (such as Briggs & Stratton or Kohler), match the engine ID label on your engine to the specifications in the 917276010 owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917276010
We use the engine’s ID tag because the same tractor model can be built with different engine variants.
- Turn the engine off, let the muffler cool, and remove the key.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine identification label (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter).
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number).
- Compare those numbers to the engine information section in the 917276010 owner's manual.
- Use the engine ID when ordering ignition, fuel, or PTO-related parts.
Common symptoms that point to engine-related parts
If you are troubleshooting (hard start, stalling, no crank), these checks narrow it down fast:
- Battery drains quickly: ignition switch left on can discharge the battery.
- Runs rough or stalls: verify fresh regular unleaded fuel and correct oil level.
- Poor mowing performance: operate at full throttle for best deck performance.
- PTO will not engage: test the PTO switch and clutch circuit.
Helpful parts often involved
| Symptom | What to check | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Blades will not engage | PTO switch operation and wiring | Switch.pto 582107601 |
| No crank or intermittent start | Key switch circuit, harness connections | Molded ignition key 532140403 |
| Battery goes dead | Switch left in RUN, charging rate at low throttle | (Operational check in manual) |
Why it matters
Using the correct engine identification prevents ordering the wrong ignition, fuel, or electrical parts and helps you follow the right starting and throttle procedures for safe, consistent mowing.
You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917276010 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” description by itself is not a single model number; it usually refers to the engine size on many different walk-behind mowers. On this page, the documented model number is Craftsman 917276010, which is a front-engine lawn tractor (25.0 HP, 48-inch mower), not a 6.75 walk-behind mower. Use the 917276010 owner's manual to confirm what equipment you have, then match parts by the exact model number.
How to identify the correct model number on a Craftsman 6.75 mower
We recommend using the mower’s model tag, not the engine label.
- Look for a model/serial sticker on the rear deck, near the rear wheel, or on the handle support
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (often starts with 917. on Craftsman units)
- Ignore “6.75” on the engine shroud; that is an engine rating, not the mower model
- If the tag is dirty or faded, clean it gently and use a flashlight to read stamped characters
- If you are shopping parts, match by model number first, then confirm part diagrams
Quick comparison: “6.75” vs the model on this page
| What you see | What it usually means | What to use for parts |
|---|---|---|
| “6.75” on the engine cover | Engine size/rating used across many mowers | The mower’s full model number from the ID tag |
| 917276010 | Specific Craftsman tractor model | Use 917276010 parts list and diagrams |
Why it matters
Ordering by “Craftsman 6.75” often leads to the wrong blade, belt, or drive parts because multiple deck sizes and drive systems share similar engine ratings. The exact model number ensures the correct fit for items like belts, pulleys, and ignition components.
If you are actually working on model 917276010
For common tractor repairs, we stock model-matched parts such as the pto switch 582107601 and the molded ignition key 532140403. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are working on a different Craftsman mower.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917276010, a full engine replacement typically runs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and any extra repairs needed while the tractor is apart. Use the owner's manual to confirm engine specs and service steps before ordering parts.
What drives the total replacement cost?
Engine replacement cost is usually a mix of parts, labor time, and “while we’re in there” items.
- Engine price: varies widely by horsepower, shaft size, and charging system
- Labor time: riding mower engine swaps commonly take around 6 hours
- Extra parts: belts, pulleys, wiring, and hardware often get replaced at the same time
- Diagnosis first: a no-start can be a key switch, wiring, or safety interlock, not the engine
- Shop rates: local labor rates can change the total more than the engine itself
Quick cost breakdown (typical ranges)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,500+ | Biggest variable; match shaft and mounting pattern |
| Labor | $200 to $600+ | Often based on ~6 hours |
| “While apart” parts | $20 to $300 | Belts, pulleys, fasteners, wiring repairs |
Before you replace the engine: checks that can save money
We recommend ruling out common, lower-cost failures first.
- Verify the ignition key is correct and not worn; replace with molded ignition key 532140403
- If the blades will not engage, test the PTO circuit and switch; replace with switch.pto 582107601
- Inspect for loose/damaged wiring and blown fuses (the manual troubleshooting chart calls these out)
- Check the deck drive system for seized pulleys or belt issues; a worn belt can mimic power problems
- Confirm the engine is not being shut down by a safety switch or parking brake interlock
Why it matters
An engine is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Spending a few minutes confirming the real failure (electrical, fuel, belt drive, or mechanical seizure) helps you avoid buying an engine when a switch, belt, or pulley is the actual fix.
If you do need parts for your Craftsman 917276010, you can order from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





