Owner’s manual
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What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273755 uses an 18.0 HP engine (as listed in the model’s documentation). For the exact engine manufacturer, model family, and service specs (oil type, spark plug, tune-up settings), use the 917273755 owner's manual.
Even within the same tractor model, the engine brand and full engine model are best confirmed from the engine ID label.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine data tag (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or serial number)
- Match that information to the engine section in the 917273755 owner's manual
- Use the engine model when ordering engine-specific parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter)
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean; avoid spraying water directly into electrical connectors
The manual for model 917273755 identifies the tractor as an “18.0 HP 42" mower” with electric start and a 6-speed transaxle. That horsepower rating helps you choose correct maintenance intervals and operating settings.
| Item | What to expect on 917273755 | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower rating | 18.0 HP | Tractor documentation and decals |
| Engine make/model | Varies by engine tag | Engine ID label and manual |
| Deck size | 42-inch mower deck | Manual and deck decals |
Using the exact engine model (not just the tractor model) prevents wrong-part orders and helps with troubleshooting issues like hard starting, rough running, or poor cutting performance.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, it’s worth replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273755 when the tractor chassis, mower deck, and drive system are still solid and you plan to keep the machine for several more seasons. If the engine repair total approaches the cost of a comparable replacement tractor, putting that money toward a new mower is the better value.
Use these practical checkpoints before you buy an engine or commit to a rebuild:
- The mower deck is structurally sound (no major cracks, severe rust-through, or bent housing)
- The tractor drives and stops correctly (brake operation and transaxle feel normal)
- You can keep up with routine maintenance (oil level checks, annual tune-up items)
- You have the tools and time for a multi-hour project
- The total engine cost is well under the price of a replacement tractor
For model-specific maintenance expectations and safety rules (including not making repairs with the engine running), use the 917273755 owner’s manual.
| Option | Typical parts cost | Time/skill | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair existing engine | Low to medium | Medium | One clear failure (starter, carburetor, ignition) |
| Replace engine (complete) | Medium to high | High | Tractor is in great shape and you want long-term reliability |
| Replace short block | Medium | High | Bottom-end damage but you can reuse external components |
| Replace tractor | High | Low | Multiple worn systems or you want minimal downtime |
These checks help you avoid replacing an engine when the real issue is elsewhere:
- Verify battery and cable connections are clean and tight
- Confirm safety interlock switches are working (seat, brake, PTO)
- Check that the engine turns freely by hand (with spark plug removed)
- Inspect belts and blades for heavy wear that could overload the engine
- Review tune-up basics (spark plug, air filter, fresh fuel)
If the engine clicks or cranks but won’t start, follow riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video to narrow it down first.
An engine replacement can extend the life of a good tractor, but it only pays off when the rest of the machine is worth keeping. The manual also calls for regular checks like brake operation and seasonal wear inspections (blades and belts), which directly affect whether the tractor is a good candidate for an engine swap.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the parts of a lawn mower engine?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273755, the engine system is made up of fuel, air, ignition, and lubrication components that work together to create combustion and deliver power to the drivetrain and mower deck. For the exact component locations and service notes, use the 917273755 owner's manual.
- Fuel tank and fuel line: stores and delivers gasoline to the engine.
- Fuel filter: traps debris before it reaches the carburetor.
- Carburetor: mixes fuel and air for combustion.
- Air filter: keeps dirt out of the intake so the engine can breathe.
- Spark plug and ignition coil: create the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture.
- Flywheel: helps keep engine rotation smooth and supports ignition timing.
- Crankcase and oil: houses internal moving parts and provides lubrication.
- Muffler: reduces exhaust noise and directs hot exhaust away.
Many “engine” complaints on a riding mower are caused by items around the engine, not internal engine damage.
- Battery and cables (starting power)
- Starter/solenoid (cranking)
- Safety interlock switches (seat, brake, PTO)
- Throttle/choke controls (starting and power)
| Symptom | Most common engine-related checks | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of power | Air filter, spark plug, fuel quality, fuel filter, oil level | Clean/replace air filter; check oil level |
| Excessive vibration | Blade condition, mandrel condition, loose hardware | Inspect blades and deck hardware |
| Runs rough or stalls | Stale fuel, dirty fuel filter, carburetor adjustment | Drain old fuel; replace fuel filter |
Knowing which system is involved (fuel, air, ignition, lubrication) helps you troubleshoot faster and avoid unnecessary parts replacement. The manual also emphasizes safe fueling and safe servicing practices, especially around hot engines and sharp blades.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273755 typically costs $600 to $2,500+ total (engine plus labor). The biggest cost drivers are engine type/horsepower, whether the wiring and pulleys transfer cleanly, and shop labor time.
- Engine cost: Most replacement riding mower engines fall roughly $300 to $1,800 depending on brand, horsepower, and shaft specs.
- Labor time: Many shops book 4 to 8 hours for a riding mower engine swap (removal, transfer parts, alignment, test run).
- Extra parts: Belts, pulleys, keys, and hardware often get replaced during the job.
- Fuel system cleanup: Old fuel, clogged filter, or carb issues can add time.
- Electrical and safety checks: Interlock and operator-presence systems must work correctly after the swap.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $300 to $1,800 | Varies by horsepower and crankshaft specs |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often 4 to 8 hours depending on shop rate |
| Misc. parts/fluids | $25 to $250 | Oil, filter, fuel filter, hardware, belts |
| Total installed | $600 to $2,500+ | Higher if multiple worn parts are found |
We see many no-start or no-crank complaints caused by maintenance or starting-system problems, not a failed engine.
- Battery weak or cables corroded
- Safety interlock not made (seat switch, brake pedal, PTO disengaged)
- Starter/solenoid issue (clicks but no crank)
- Old fuel or clogged fuel filter
- Dirty air filter or fouled spark plug
For model-specific operating and safety interlock behavior, use the 917273755 owner’s manual.
If you are already doing major service, these parts are often inspected or replaced as needed:
- V-belt 532138255 (ground drive belt)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (if the key is worn or missing)
- Blades and deck hardware if the mower has vibration or poor cut quality
A full engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the starting system, fuel delivery, and safety interlocks first can prevent spending engine-level money on a fix that only needed a battery, wiring repair, or tune-up.
Last updated: January 2026
