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Where to find model number on riding mower?
On a Craftsman rear-engine riding mower like model 247203690, the model number is usually on a sticker or metal tag on the frame or under the seat area. We recommend checking the most common ID-tag locations first, then confirming the exact format in the 247203690 owner's manual.
Most common places to check
Look for a white sticker or stamped plate; wipe off grass and dirt so the numbers are readable.
- Under the seat (seat pan or seat support area)
- Rear of the frame cover, between the rear wheels
- Left or right side of the mower frame (near the engine or footrest area)
- On the cutting deck (often near the rear-left edge)
- Near the starter housing or starter rope housing (if equipped)
Quick ID checklist (so you get the right parts)
Use this checklist before ordering belts, pulleys, or switches.
| What to capture | Example of what it looks like | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 247203690 | Matches the correct parts diagrams |
| Serial number | Letters and numbers | Helps confirm production run |
| Product name | “Rear-engine riding mower” | Prevents mix-ups with tractors or zero-turns |
Tips if the tag is hard to read
- Clean the area with a damp rag and mild detergent; avoid harsh solvents that can remove printing.
- Use a flashlight at an angle to read faint stamped numbers.
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in.
- If the sticker is missing, check for a stamped frame tag near the rear axle area.
Why it matters
Craftsman riding mowers can look similar across years, but belt lengths, deck parts, and safety switches can differ by model. Using the exact model number helps ensure parts like the lawn tractor interlock switch 725-04363 match your mower.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247203690 engine?
The Craftsman 247203690 is the mower model number, not the engine model number. On this rear-engine riding mower, the engine model number is printed on the engine’s ID label (typically on the blower housing or valve cover area); use that exact engine model and type to match tune-up and fuel-system parts correctly. See the 247203690 owner's manual for the exact label location and identification steps.
Where to find the engine model number on a 247203690
Look for a sticker or stamped tag on the engine itself (not on the mower frame). Common places include:
- Top or side of the blower housing (recoil/shroud area)
- Valve cover area
- Near the spark plug
- On the engine block near the muffler or carburetor
- Under the hood/engine cover if equipped
What to write down (and why)
Engine ID labels often include multiple fields. Capture all of them so you get the right parts the first time.
- Engine model (the main identifier)
- Type (build configuration)
- Code/serial/date (production run details)
- Horsepower/cc (helpful for cross-checking)
Quick reference table
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example of how it appears |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model | Primary lookup for engine parts | Model number string |
| Type/spec | Narrows to the exact carburetor, starter, etc. | Type/spec code |
| Code/serial | Confirms production version | Serial/date code |
Why it matters
Many Craftsman riding mowers share similar decks and chassis, but engines can vary by manufacturer and build. Using the mower model number alone can lead to the wrong ignition, carburetor, or tune-up parts, especially when troubleshooting no-start or poor-running symptoms.
Last updated: January 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 247203690?
Craftsman model 247203690 is a model number (not a date code), so the year isn’t determined by the model number alone. To find the year your mower was built, we use the product date code/serial information shown on the mower’s ID tag and confirm the decoding method in the 247203690 owner's manual.
How to find the build year on your mower
Look for the ID tag (model/serial label) and record the full information before decoding.
- Check under the seat pan, on the frame near the rear fender, or near the engine area
- Write down the serial number and any date code printed on the tag
- Clean the tag gently so every digit is readable
- Take a photo so you can zoom in and avoid transcription errors
- If the tag is missing, check for a second label on the chassis or deck housing
How date codes are commonly formatted (what to look for)
Many riding mower tags use a numeric date code, but the exact format varies by manufacturer and production run. Use this quick guide to identify what you have.
| What you see on the tag | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits (example: MMDDYY) | Month, day, year | Decode to get the build date |
| 4 digits (example: YYWW) | Year and week of year | Convert week to an approximate month |
| Letters mixed with numbers | Plant/line plus date info | Use the manual’s ID tag section to decode |
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts and revisions for your Craftsman rear-engine riding mower, especially for wear items like belts, pulleys, and safety switches.
Parts that often depend on the exact build information
- Blade drive belt (deck belt)
- Ground drive belt
- Interlock switch and wiring harness
- Steering components (rack, shaft, pinion gear)
If you are already troubleshooting a drive or deck issue, the blade drive belt 954-05001 and the interlock switch 725-04363 are two common starting points for this model family.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman rear-engine riding mower model 247203690, replacing the engine is worth it when the rest of the mower is in good shape and the total repair cost stays well below the price of a comparable replacement mower. If the engine failure is paired with major drive or deck problems, replacement usually makes more sense. See the 247203690 owner's manual for model-specific service and safety guidance.
Quick decision checklist
- The mower frame, steering, and transaxle drive smoothly with no major play or leaks.
- The cutting deck is solid (not cracked or heavily rusted through).
- You can source the correct engine or a verified compatible replacement.
- The repair total (engine, labor, belts, pulleys, hardware) is under about 50% of the mower’s current value.
- You plan to keep the mower for 3+ seasons.
Costs to compare (typical)
| Item | What it includes | Typical impact on the decision |
|---|---|---|
| Engine replacement | Engine plus mounting, wiring, fuel line, tune-up items | Worth it if the mower is otherwise solid |
| Deck/drive catch-up repairs | Belts, idlers, mandrels, bearings | Can push the total past the “worth it” line |
| New mower | Replacement unit with warranty | Often better if multiple major systems are worn |
Parts that often get replaced during an engine swap
Even with a new engine, worn drive and deck components can cause poor performance. These are common “while you’re in there” items:
- Deck belt: mtd lawn tractor blade drive belt 954-05001
- Ground drive belt: Craftsman lawn tractor ground drive belt 954-05040
- Ground drive idler pulley (if noisy or wobbly): toro lawn tractor ground drive idler pulley 756-04224
- Safety switch (if intermittent no-start): lawn tractor interlock switch 725-04363
- Wiring harness (if brittle or damaged): harness 725P06273A
Why it matters
A rear-engine riding mower depends on the engine, deck drive, and ground drive working together. If you install a new engine but keep slipping belts, worn pulleys, or failing safety interlocks, you can end up with a mower that still will not cut or move reliably.
Last updated: January 2026
