Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917288670, a full engine replacement (parts plus labor) typically runs about $260 to $1,800 installed, with labor commonly around 6 hours depending on shop rates and how much has to be transferred from the old engine.
What drives the total price
- Engine type and horsepower (higher HP and certain brands cost more)
- Whether it’s a direct bolt-on replacement or needs modifications
- Parts transferred (starter, wiring, pulleys, muffler, fuel lines)
- Shop labor rate and minimum labor charges
- Extra repairs found during the swap (belts, wiring, mounts)
Before you replace the engine, rule out common “no-start” causes
Many tractors get quoted for an engine when the real issue is starting or fuel delivery. The 917288670 manual troubleshooting chart points to these common causes when the engine clicks but won’t start:
- Weak or dead battery
- Corroded battery terminals
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Faulty solenoid or starter
A failed solenoid is a common, lower-cost fix; for this model, see the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802.
Quick cost comparison
| Repair path | Typical cost range | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical starting repair (battery/cables/solenoid) | $20 to $250 | Engine is healthy but won’t crank |
| Fuel/maintenance service (filter, plug, tune-up) | $30 to $200 | Engine cranks but won’t start or runs poorly |
| Full engine replacement | $260 to $1,800 installed | Engine has internal damage or severe wear |
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Checking the battery, wiring, and solenoid first can prevent paying for an engine when a simple electrical repair restores reliable starting.
For model-specific operating and troubleshooting steps, use the 917288670 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What year is CRAFTSMAN Model 917288670?
The model number 917288670 identifies the Craftsman lawn tractor series, but it does not reliably encode a single build year by itself. To pin down the year for your specific tractor, we use the product ID/serial information and the date-of-purchase details shown in the 917288670 owner's manual.
How to find the year on your tractor
Look for the product label (often under the seat, on the frame near the rear fender, or in the engine compartment area). Use these items together:
- Model number: 917288670 (series identifier)
- Serial number: unique to your tractor
- Manufacture date code (if listed): may be separate from the serial
- Engine model/type/code: can help narrow the timeframe
- Purchase date: useful for warranty and parts history
What to record before ordering parts
Having the right identifiers prevents ordering the wrong steering, deck, or drive parts.
| What to write down | Where you’ll use it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number 917288670 | Parts lookup | Confirms the correct tractor family |
| Serial number | Year/production range | Distinguishes revisions within the same model |
| Engine code | Engine parts/service | Matches tune-up and fuel system parts |
| Deck size (example: 54-inch) | Mower deck parts | Ensures correct blades, mandrels, belts |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can keep the same model number across multiple production runs; the serial/product label is what separates early vs. later builds. That affects fit for items like the mower deck mandrel, steering links, and electrical switches.
For example, deck vibration or uneven cutting often traces back to the mandrel area; the correct replacement depends on the exact build. If you’re servicing the deck, the lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701 is one of the common deck-related parts for this model family.
Last updated: January 2026
What engine does CRAFTSMAN riding mower use?
For Craftsman model 917288670, the operator’s manual identifies it as a 26.0 HP lawn tractor with a low-emission gasoline engine (electric start, automatic transmission). For the exact engine make and model (such as the Briggs & Stratton model code), we use the engine ID label on the engine itself along with the manual.
How to identify the exact engine on 917288670
Use these quick checks to match the correct engine parts (air filter, spark plug, starter, carburetor):
- Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the muffler.
- Record the engine model, type, and code exactly as shown.
- Compare the tractor’s configuration (54-inch deck, electric start, automatic transmission) to the specs listed in the 917288670 owner's manual.
- If the label is dirty, wipe it gently; avoid spraying water directly into electrical connectors.
- Use the engine ID (not just tractor model 917288670) when ordering engine-specific parts.
What we can confirm from the manual
The manual for this Craftsman lawn tractor calls out these key engine-related details:
| Item | What to use for 917288670 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower rating | 26.0 HP (as rated by engine manufacturer) | Helps match the correct engine family and tune-up parts |
| Fuel | Gasoline up to E10 (10% ethanol) | Higher ethanol blends can cause running issues and fuel-system damage |
| Starting system | Electric start | Points you toward battery, solenoid, and starter circuits |
Why it matters
Different engine makes and model codes can use different ignition parts, filters, and carburetor linkages even on the same tractor model. Confirming the engine ID first prevents wrong-part returns and helps troubleshooting go faster.
Related parts that often come up with engine issues
If your tractor clicks but will not crank, or cranks but will not start, these model-related parts are commonly involved:
- Battery cables and connections (clean and tight)
- Safety interlock switches (seat, brake, PTO)
- Starter circuit components such as the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- PTO circuit components such as the switch.pto 582107601
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is a CRAFTSMAN 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” is typically a walk-behind mower engine rating, not a riding tractor identifier. For the Craftsman riding tractor covered here, the operator manual lists the tractor model as 917.28867 (commonly shown as 917288670 on parts listings); confirm the exact ID on the product label and in the 917288670 owner's manual.
How to find the correct model number on your mower
Use the model number from the equipment label, not the engine cover.
- Look for a sticker or metal tag under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender
- Write down the full model number (all digits) and any product number
- If it is a walk-behind mower, check the deck near the rear wheels or behind the engine
- Use the manual model callout to match formatting (for this tractor, it appears as 917.28867)
- Avoid using “6.75” alone; it is not specific enough to identify parts
“6.75” walk-behind mower vs. this 917288670 riding tractor
If you are trying to identify a walk-behind Craftsman mower that says “6.75,” you need the mower’s model tag because many different models used a 6.75-rated engine.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to use for parts lookup |
|---|---|---|
| “6.75” on the engine shroud | Engine power family/marketing label | Mower model number from the deck/frame tag |
| “917.28867” in the manual | Riding tractor model identifier | Tractor model number (often listed as 917288670) |
Why it matters
Using the wrong model number can send you to the wrong parts diagrams (blades, belts, ignition parts, deck hardware). For example, this tractor uses model-specific deck and drive components, and even common items like a PTO switch can vary by model.
Last updated: January 2026
