Owner’s manual
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What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273380, the engine is a Briggs single-cylinder engine; the parts breakdown in the manual lists it as Briggs model 31C707-0230-E1. Use the engine model to match tune-up parts and service specs.
We recommend confirming the engine model directly on the tractor and in the documentation:
- Check the engine ID label (typically on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter)
- Match the label to the listing in the 917273380 owner's manual
- Record the full engine model and type numbers before ordering parts
- Use the engine model when looking up air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter options
Even on the same mower deck size, engine variants can use different maintenance parts. These are the most common items to verify by engine model:
| Item | What to match | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Spark plug | Thread size and reach | Prevents misfire and hard starting |
| Air filter | Shape and mounting style | Protects the engine from dirt ingestion |
| Oil filter (if equipped) | Thread and gasket diameter | Prevents leaks and low oil pressure |
| Fuel filter | Line size and flow direction | Avoids fuel starvation |
Using the correct Briggs engine model for your Craftsman 917273380 helps you avoid ordering the wrong ignition or fuel-system parts and keeps troubleshooting focused (for example, loss of power, vibration, or poor cut issues often trace back to maintenance items listed in the manual).
Last updated: January 2026
What year was Craftsman 917273380 made?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273380 is most commonly associated with the mid-2000s (about 2004 to 2006). For the most reliable confirmation, we recommend checking the identification and specification details listed in the 917273380 owner's manual.
The model number identifies the tractor family, but the exact build year is typically tied to the serial number and ID label on the machine.
- Locate the tractor ID label (commonly under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the engine area)
- Write down the model number (917273380) and the serial number
- Compare the serial number format and reference info in the manual
- If the label is worn, clean it gently and use a flashlight to read stamped characters
- Keep the numbers with your maintenance records for future parts lookups
On many Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, the year is not printed as a simple “2005” on the hood; it is usually encoded.
| What you have | What it tells you | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917273380) | Product configuration and parts family | Finding correct diagrams and parts |
| Serial number | Production run details (often includes date coding) | Pinpointing build year |
| Engine model/type/code | Engine production details | Verifying engine age vs tractor |
Knowing the correct year helps us match the right chassis, deck, and engine components for your Craftsman 917273380, especially for wear items like blades, belts, and mandrel parts that can vary across production runs.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273380 typically costs about $600 to $3,000+ total (engine plus labor), depending on the engine type, whether you reuse pulleys and wiring, and local shop rates. Engine replacement is a major repair, so we recommend comparing the total cost to the tractor’s overall condition.
Costs vary by region and engine brand, but these ranges are common for riding mowers:
- Engine (new): $400 to $2,000+
- Labor: $200 to $1,000 (often 4 to 8 labor hours)
- Shop supplies and incidentals: $25 to $150
- Optional add-ons: battery, belts, fuel line, filters (if worn)
| Cost item | Typical range | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $400 to $2,000+ | Horsepower, shaft size, charging system, availability |
| Labor | $200 to $1,000 | Rusted fasteners, wiring condition, transfer parts needed |
| Extra parts | $0 to $300 | Belts, pulleys, battery, fuel system cleanup |
We use these checks to avoid paying for an engine when a simpler fix solves the problem:
- Battery condition and cable connections (clean terminals and tighten)
- Fuse and wiring condition
- Ignition switch, solenoid, and starter operation
- Fuel quality (stale fuel and water in fuel can mimic engine failure)
- Basic tune-up items (spark plug, air filter, oil level)
The troubleshooting chart in the 917273380 owner’s manual points to battery, fuse, wiring, ignition switch, solenoid, and starter checks before escalating to major service.
An engine replacement can exceed the value of an older tractor if the deck, transmission, steering, or chassis also need work. If the tractor is otherwise solid, a new engine can be a cost-effective way to extend its service life.
If the engine clicks or spins but won’t start, follow a step-by-step diagnosis first: riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
Last updated: January 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
For Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, the engine manufacturer depends on the specific model and engine family; common suppliers include Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273380, confirm the exact engine identification using the 917273380 owner's manual.
Use the engine’s ID tag, not the hood decal. On most front-engine lawn tractors, you can find the engine label:
- On the blower housing (top/front of the engine)
- Near the valve cover
- On the engine shroud by the starter
- Stamped into a metal tag or printed on a sticker
- Listed as an engine model/type code in the documentation
Write down the engine brand plus the model and type/spec numbers. That combination is what we use to match tune-up parts like spark plugs, air filters, and oil filters.
Different manufacturers format their ID numbers differently. Here’s a quick reference:
| Engine maker | What the ID often looks like | What it helps us match |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model / Type / Code | Carb parts, ignition parts, tune-up parts |
| Kohler | Model / Spec | Fuel system parts, charging parts, tune-up parts |
| Kawasaki | Model / Spec | Filters, ignition parts, carb parts |
The tractor model number (917273380) identifies the chassis and mower deck, but the engine ID is what ensures you get the right maintenance and repair parts. For example, deck parts like a lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 fit the mower deck, while engine parts must match the engine’s exact model/spec.
Last updated: January 2026
