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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917255933 typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, whether you reuse pulleys and wiring, and local labor rates. Engine swaps on riding mowers usually take about 6 hours of labor.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price: the biggest variable (new, rebuilt, or used)
- Labor time: riding mower engine swaps commonly run longer than walk-behind mowers
- Extra parts: belts, hardware, fuel parts, and electrical parts often get replaced at the same time
- Shop supplies: oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, and sealants
- Condition issues: rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, or worn pulleys add time
Typical cost breakdown (what you’re paying for)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $150 to $1,400 | Varies by horsepower, crankshaft size, and brand compatibility |
| Labor | $200 to $700 | Often based on ~6 hours plus shop rate |
| Fluids and small parts | $20 to $120 | Oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware |
| Optional “while you’re in there” parts | $0 to $300+ | Belts, switches, solenoid, battery cables |
Parts that commonly get replaced during an engine swap
If your tractor had starting or electrical issues before the engine failed, these parts are common add-ons:
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 (key switch)
- Lawn tractor seat switch 532421062 (safety interlock)
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt 532110883 (drive belt)
Why it matters
An engine replacement only makes sense when the rest of the tractor (deck, transmission, steering, and wiring) is in solid shape. Pricing the job as “engine + labor + the few parts that caused the original no-start” helps prevent paying twice for the same teardown.
How we recommend you plan the repair
- Confirm the crankshaft diameter/length and mounting pattern on the old engine
- Inspect belts and pulleys for glazing, cracking, or wobble
- Check safety interlocks (seat and PTO) if the tractor had intermittent starting
- Price the parts list for your model first, then compare to searching by model on Sears PartsDirect
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917255933 uses a Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder gasoline engine. To confirm the exact engine model and type on your tractor (so tune-up parts match), read the engine ID label on the blower housing or valve cover.
How to confirm the exact engine model on 917255933
We use the engine’s ID tag because the tractor model number identifies the chassis, while the engine tag identifies the correct engine parts.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label
- Check the blower housing (shroud) and valve cover area
- Record the numbers exactly: model, type, and code
- Use those numbers when selecting spark plug, air filter, and fuel system parts
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean and take a photo for accuracy
Common engine-related parts on this model’s parts list
If you are troubleshooting a no-crank or intermittent start, these model-listed parts are often involved in the starting and safety interlock circuits:
Quick symptom guide (what to check first)
| Symptom | Most likely area | Good first check |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks but won’t crank | Battery cables, solenoid, starter circuit | Voltage at battery and solenoid connections |
| Cranks but won’t start | Fuel, spark, air | Fresh fuel, clean air filter, spark test |
| Dies when brake released | Safety interlock | Seat switch and brake switch operation |
Why it matters
The engine model and type determine the correct maintenance parts and some electrical components. Matching the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong ignition or fuel parts even when the tractor model number is correct.
Helpful DIY troubleshooting
- Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video
- Riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video
- How to tune up a riding lawn mower video
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917255933, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On a Craftsman lawn tractor like model 917255933, the model number does not contain the build year; you typically determine the year from the product serial number on the ID tag. Many Craftsman-built units use a date-coded serial format where the last two digits indicate the year.
Where to find the serial number on model 917255933
Look for a product ID label in one of these common locations:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
Write down the full serial number exactly as shown, including any letters.
How to decode the year from the serial number
Craftsman riding mowers commonly use a 6-digit date code within the serial number that reads:
- First 2 digits: month (01 to 12)
- Next 2 digits: day (01 to 31)
- Last 2 digits: year (00 to 99)
Example
If the serial number begins with 072811, that decodes to:
| Digits | Meaning | Example value |
|---|---|---|
| 07 | Month | July |
| 28 | Day | 28 |
| 11 | Year | 2011 |
That would indicate a build date of July 28, 2011.
Quick checks if the serial format does not match
If your serial number is longer, includes letters, or does not start with a clear MMDDYY pattern, use these practical checks to narrow it down:
- Compare the engine model and spec numbers to the tractor ID tag (they often align to a production era)
- Check whether your tractor uses a key ignition or a PTO switch style typical of certain years
- Match wear parts to the correct diagrams for model 917255933 to confirm you are in the right parts family
If you are troubleshooting a no-crank or click condition while you are identifying the tractor, our DIY video guide can help: riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year helps you choose the right parts and diagrams for your Craftsman 917255933, especially for electrical items (like the ignition switch and solenoid), belts, and steering components.
If you need to order common electrical parts for this model, we list them by exact ID, such as the solenoid 532146154 and the lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402. For broader model searches and ordering, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my lawn mower engine model number?
On a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 917255933, the engine model number is typically stamped into the engine itself (not on the mower frame tag). Look for a metal-stamped code on the top of the engine near the cylinder head or valve cover area; it’s often easiest to see from the right or left side with the hood open.
Where to look on the engine
Check these common locations first:
- Top of the engine shroud or blower housing (near the recoil or cooling fins)
- Valve cover area on either cylinder head (common on V-twin engines)
- Engine block near the spark plug(s)
- A sticker or metal tag near the starter or flywheel housing
- Under the hood along the engine’s upper surfaces (wipe off dirt and oil first)
How to read the number (and what to write down)
We recommend recording all identification numbers you find, because parts lookups often need more than one code.
- Engine model number (the main identifier)
- Type/spec number (variant of the same engine model)
- Code/date (production code that can affect parts)
Quick ID checklist
| What you’re looking for | What it’s used for | Where it’s usually found |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model number | Correct engine parts match | Stamped on metal or on a tag |
| Type/spec number | Exact carburetor, ignition, governor parts | Near the model number |
| Code/date | Running changes by build date | Near the model/type info |
Why it matters
The mower model number 917255933 identifies the tractor, but the engine model number identifies the engine’s internal parts (like ignition components, fuel system parts, and starter-related items). Using the engine model number helps prevent ordering the wrong part.
Related parts and DIY help
If you’re troubleshooting a no-start or click-no-crank issue after identifying the engine, these resources and parts are commonly involved:
- Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video
- Riding lawn mower engine wont turn over or click video
- Solenoid 532146154
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
For additional parts for model 917255933, use the parts list for this tractor or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
