Owner’s manual
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Does a Craftsman riding mower have an oil filter?
Yes. The Craftsman riding mower model 917273351 uses an engine oil filter when it is equipped for one, and the maintenance schedule calls out oil changes “with oil filter” plus “Replace oil filter (if equipped).” For exact service intervals and steps, use the 917273351 owner's manual.
Most versions of this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor have a spin-on oil filter mounted on the engine block. You can confirm in minutes:
- Look for a small metal canister (spin-on filter) on the side of the engine
- Check for an oil filter part number reference in the maintenance section
- Compare your engine layout to the diagrams in the manual
- If you only see a drain plug and dipstick with no filter, follow the “without oil filter” oil-change schedule
The manual includes separate maintenance lines for oil changes with an oil filter and without an oil filter. Use this quick comparison to stay on the right schedule.
| What you have | What to do | Typical timing noted in the manual |
|---|---|---|
| Engine with oil filter | Change engine oil (with oil filter) and replace the oil filter (if equipped) | Every season, or every other oil change if used more than 100 hours/year |
| Engine without oil filter | Change engine oil (without oil filter) | Follow the “without oil filter” schedule in the manual |
An oil filter helps trap debris that accelerates engine wear. If your 917273351 is equipped with a filter, replacing it on schedule helps maintain power, reduce smoking, and extend engine life under heavy mowing conditions.
If you are already servicing the engine, cleaning the air filter on schedule is just as important for starting and performance. The manual outlines air filter service intervals and steps in the same maintenance section.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a tractor engine?
On the Craftsman tractor model 917273351, the engine is a Briggs (model 31C707-0230-E1) and it’s built from core assemblies such as the cylinder/head, crankcase and sump, crankshaft and piston system, valve train, ignition/charging components, and fuel and air-intake parts. For the exact breakdown used on your tractor, use the ENGINE section in the 917273351 owner's manual.
Most riding mower and lawn tractor engines use the same major groups of parts:
- Cylinder and cylinder head: forms the combustion chamber and supports valves
- Crankcase and sump: houses internal components and holds engine oil
- Crankshaft and bearings: converts piston motion into rotating power
- Piston, rings, and connecting rod: creates compression and transfers force to the crankshaft
- Valve train (valves, springs, guides, rocker components): controls air/fuel in and exhaust out
- Fuel and air system (fuel tank/line, carburetor, air filter): delivers clean fuel and air
- Ignition and charging (spark plug, alternator, wiring): creates spark and maintains battery charge
The manual’s engine parts list for the Briggs 31C707-0230-E1 includes items such as:
| Engine system | Example parts called out in the manual | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Core engine | cylinder assembly, head-cylinder, sump-engine, crankshaft | Determines compression, oil sealing, and durability |
| Air intake | air cleaner cartridge, pre-cleaner, air cleaner cover | Dirty filters cause hard starting and power loss |
| Electrical | alternator, spark plug terminal, starter drive parts | Affects starting and battery charging |
| Fuel | fuel tank cap assembly, fuel line, fuel solenoid | Prevents leaks and supports consistent fuel delivery |
Knowing the engine’s major part groups helps you troubleshoot faster. For example, a no-start often points to fuel delivery, air restriction, or ignition, while knocking or low power often points to internal wear (piston/rings, crankshaft, or valve train).
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find the Craftsman riding mower model number?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273351, the model number is printed on the product identification label under the seat. Lift the seat and look on the underside area for a label that lists the model information (often shown as 917.273351 in the documentation); confirm the full number matches 917273351.
Check these common label locations first:
- Underside of the seat pan (most common)
- Seat support bracket area directly below the seat
- Rear fender deck near the seat hinge
- Frame rail near the battery tray (if the seat label is missing)
For a diagram and model-specific references, use the 917273351 owner's manual.
Craftsman manuals and labels sometimes show the model with a dot (example: 917.273351). For parts lookup and ordering, use the same digits without punctuation: 917273351.
| You see on label/manual | Use for parts lookup |
|---|---|
| 917.273351 | 917273351 |
| 917 273351 | 917273351 |
Using the exact model number ensures we match the correct mower deck, drive belt, blades, and hardware for your tractor. Even small model-number differences can change the 42-inch deck configuration and the parts that fit.
If the label is unreadable, the mower deck parts list in the manual can help confirm you are working with the 42-inch deck setup used on model 917273351. For example, the 42-inch mulching blade is listed as husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273351 uses a low-emission gasoline engine (electric start) designed to run differently than older engines; we recommend following the starting and operating instructions in the 917273351 owner's manual for the correct procedure and settings.
From the model documentation, this tractor is a 42-inch mower deck unit with electric start and a geared transaxle; the manual also calls out that the engine is a low-emission design.
- Low-emission engine (operates differently than previously built engines)
- Gas-powered riding lawn tractor engine (not electric drive)
- Electric start system (battery and starter circuit)
- Designed to be operated at full throttle for best performance
- Paired with a multi-speed transaxle (geared drive)
Many Craftsman tractors were built with engines from common manufacturers (for example, Briggs & Stratton or Kohler), but the most accurate way to confirm your exact engine is to read the engine ID label on the engine itself.
| Where to look | What you are looking for | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Blower housing / valve cover area | Engine model, type, code | Identifies the engine family and exact spec |
| Under the hood near the air filter | Emissions label | Confirms displacement and compliance info |
| Tractor frame tag (model 917273351) | Tractor model and serial | Confirms you are matching the right manual and parts |
The engine make and model determines the correct tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter), oil type, and service intervals. It also affects troubleshooting steps for no-start, clicking, or charging problems.
- Run at full throttle while mowing for best cut and battery charging
- Stop the tractor completely before shifting gears to protect the transaxle
- Keep the mower deck clean to prevent poor discharge and vent-hole clogging around mandrels
- Replace worn blades to improve cut quality; a common option is the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- If the engine clicks but will not crank, use the steps in riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
For Craftsman riding equipment, engines are supplied by major small-engine manufacturers. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273351, the engine is made by Briggs & Stratton. For the exact engine model/type code and service specs used on your tractor, use the 917273351 owner's manual.
Even though the tractor is branded Craftsman, the engine is a Briggs & Stratton unit; that matters because tune-up parts and many engine service procedures are selected by the engine’s model and type code.
- Look for the Briggs & Stratton ID label on the blower housing or valve cover area.
- Record the engine model, type, and code exactly as shown.
- Use that ID when choosing the correct spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter.
- Follow the maintenance intervals listed in the manual for oil changes and air filter service.
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean and take a clear photo before ordering parts.
Craftsman has used different engine OEMs across different tractors and production years.
| Craftsman equipment type | Common engine makers you may see | How to confirm on your unit |
|---|---|---|
| Riding lawn tractors | Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki | Engine ID label and brand badge |
| Walk-behind mowers | Briggs & Stratton, Honda (varies) | Engine ID label and owner’s manual |
The engine manufacturer and engine ID determine the correct maintenance parts and settings. Using the wrong tune-up parts can cause hard starting, poor performance, and premature wear.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917273351 engine?
The Craftsman tractor model 917273351 is shown in the parts manual with a Briggs engine listed as Model No. 31C707-0230-E1. Use that Briggs model and type number when you’re looking up engine-specific parts and service information for this tractor.
We recommend matching the engine ID from the engine itself before ordering parts.
- Look for the Briggs & Stratton ID label on the blower housing (engine shroud) or valve cover area
- Write down the full model-type-code string (example format: 31C707-0230-E1)
- Wipe off grass dust and oil so every digit is readable
- If the label is damaged, use the engine breakdown pages in the 917273351 owner's manual
| What it identifies | Number used | What it helps you match |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor (Craftsman) model | 917273351 | Deck, chassis, steering, drive, and tractor-level diagrams |
| Engine (Briggs) model and type | 31C707-0230-E1 | Carburetor, starter, ignition, air cleaner, and engine internals |
Craftsman tractor platforms can share many chassis and deck parts across multiple builds; the engine model and type number is what keeps tune-up and repair parts accurate for your exact Briggs engine.
These are common wear items owners replace during routine service:
- Blades (for cut quality and bagging performance)
- Drive belt (for traction and ground speed)
- Ignition key (for starting and security)
Last updated: February 2026
