What kind of engine is on a Craftsman tiller?
The Craftsman front-tine tiller model 917299110 uses a Briggs & Stratton engine; the owner’s manual lists it as engine model 157102, type 1013-E8. This identifies the exact engine family to use when matching tune-up parts and service procedures in the owner's manual.
How to confirm the engine on your specific tiller
We recommend verifying the engine ID on the engine itself (labels can differ from marketing descriptions).
- Find the Briggs & Stratton ID label on the engine shroud or valve cover area
- Match the model and type numbers to the manual listing
- Record the numbers before ordering parts (spark plug, air filter, carburetor kit)
- Check for an emissions label; it often sits near the muffler or recoil starter
- Use the manual’s engine section for diagrams and part identification
Engine identification details for model 917299110
Here is the engine information called out for this Craftsman tiller:
| Item | What you’ll see | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Engine brand | Briggs & Stratton | Ensures correct service parts and specs |
| Engine model | 157102 | Primary identifier for engine parts |
| Type number | 1013-E8 | Narrows down exact carburetor, ignition, and gasket variations |
Why it matters
Briggs & Stratton engines can share the same displacement but use different carburetors, gaskets, or ignition parts by type number. Using the engine model and type from the manual helps prevent ordering the wrong maintenance parts and speeds up troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of oil does a Craftsman front tine tiller take?
For the Craftsman 917299110 front-tine tiller, use high-quality detergent engine oil rated API SG-SL. Use SAE 30 when temperatures are above 32°F, and SAE 5W-30 when temperatures are below 32°F; the crankcase capacity is about 20 oz (fill to the point of overflowing with the engine level). See the owner's manual for the full oil viscosity chart and maintenance intervals.
Oil type and viscosity (what to use)
Use the oil grade based on outdoor temperature:
- Above 32°F (0°C): SAE 30
- Below 32°F (0°C): SAE 5W-30
- Oil quality: Detergent oil meeting API SG-SL
- Do not mix oil with gasoline (this model uses straight gasoline in the fuel tank)
How much oil does it take?
The engine oil capacity is approximately 20 oz. When filling from empty, we recommend:
- Park the tiller on a level surface
- Remove the oil fill plug
- Add oil slowly until it just begins to overflow
- Reinstall and tighten the oil fill plug securely
Quick reference
| Temperature | Recommended oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Above 32°F | SAE 30 | Standard choice for warm-weather tilling |
| Below 32°F | SAE 5W-30 | Helps cold starting |
Maintenance tips that prevent engine damage
These steps matter as much as choosing the right oil:
- Check the oil level before each use
- Recheck oil after about 5 hours of continuous operation
- Change oil about every 50 hours of use or once a year
- Keep dirt out of the fill area; use a clean funnel and clean containers
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before maintenance to prevent accidental starting
Why it matters
Correct viscosity helps the engine lubricate properly at startup and under load. Using SAE 30 in warm weather reduces oil consumption, while 5W-30 improves cold-weather starting and flow.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find model number on Craftsman tiller?
On the Craftsman front-tine tiller model 917.299110, the model number is printed on the product identification label; we most often see it on the engine area (recoil starter housing or nearby sheet metal) or on the tiller frame. Use the owner's manual to confirm the exact label location and format.
Common places to check
Look for a sticker or metal tag with MODEL NO. and a number formatted like 917.299110.
- Recoil starter (pull-start) housing on the engine
- Under the engine shroud on nearby sheet metal
- Near the spark plug area on the engine
- On the tiller frame near the handle mount or belt guard area
- Near the control panel/handle column
How to identify the correct number (and avoid mix-ups)
Craftsman tillers often have multiple numbers on them. Here is what to use for parts lookup.
| What you see | Example | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Tiller model number | 917.299110 | Ordering Craftsman tiller parts and matching diagrams |
| Engine model/type | Briggs & Stratton 157102 (type 1013-E8) | Engine-specific tune-up and internal engine parts |
| Serial number | Varies | Manufacturing identification (not usually used for parts diagrams) |
Why it matters
Using the exact tiller model number (917.299110) ensures you get the right belt guard, pulley, handle, and tine-drive hardware for your specific 24-inch tine width configuration. The engine model number is helpful, but it does not replace the tiller model number when selecting chassis and drive parts.
Quick tip if the label is dirty or worn
- Wipe the area with a damp rag and mild detergent
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to read faded printing
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to confirm digits
Last updated: February 2026



