What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
For the Craftsman riding lawn mower model 247203702, the engine is a gas-powered, single-cylinder riding mower engine (commonly a Briggs & Stratton-type setup in this class). For the exact engine brand, displacement, and tune-up specs for your specific tractor, use the 247203702 owner's manual.
We recommend confirming the engine details from the engine ID label (usually on the blower housing or valve cover area) and matching it to the manual.
- Look for an engine model/type/code sticker or stamped tag on the engine
- Record the full engine model number and spec number (both matter for parts)
- Check whether your tractor is single-cylinder or V-twin (most are single-cylinder in this range)
- Confirm the fuel type (gas) and starting system (electric start)
- Use the manual to verify oil type/quantity, spark plug, and air filter specs
These are the most common configurations for front-engine lawn tractors like the 247203702.
| Engine type | What it means | What you will notice |
|---|---|---|
| Single-cylinder gas | One-cylinder vertical-shaft mower engine | Simpler design, steady power for 42-in class decks |
| V-twin gas | Two-cylinder vertical-shaft mower engine | Smoother running, often more torque |
The exact engine model determines the correct maintenance parts and settings (oil, spark plug, air filter, valve clearance). It also helps when diagnosing no-start or hard-start symptoms.
If you are troubleshooting starting issues, the riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video is a good next step.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman riding mower like model 247203702, the model number is typically on an ID label on the frame under the seat (or on the underside of the seat). Once you have that number, you can match the correct parts and diagrams in the 247203702 owner's manual.
Check these common label locations first:
- On the frame directly under the seat (lift the seat up)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender area close to the seat mount
- On the frame rail near the footrest (some builds)
- On the mower deck housing (less common, but possible)
Record the information exactly as printed on the label.
| Label item | What it does for you | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact tractor build | Ensures parts fit your deck, drive, and engine setup |
| Serial number | Identifies production run | Helps confirm correct revisions and hardware |
| Product name/series | Marketing name | Useful for searching, but not enough for parts matching |
A worn label is common on lawn tractors.
- Wipe dirt and grass dust off the tag with a damp cloth
- Use a flashlight at an angle to make stamped/embossed text stand out
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- Copy letters and dashes exactly (for example, don’t swap O and 0)
Craftsman tractors can look similar across multiple years, but belts, blades, and safety switches can differ by model. Using the correct model number helps you avoid ordering the wrong deck belt, blade, or electrical part.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the part number for the Craftsman 247203702 blade?
For the Craftsman 247203702 front-engine lawn tractor, the 42-inch deck blade part number is 942-0616A. If you are replacing blades, we recommend confirming deck size and blade style (3-in-1 vs standard) in the 247203702 owner's manual before ordering.
For this model, the blade listed for the 42-inch deck is:
- Part number: 942-0616A
- Description: MTD lawn tractor 42-in deck 3-in-1 blade
These checks prevent buying the wrong mower blade when multiple deck options exist across similar tractors:
- Verify your deck size is 42-inch (measure blade length tip-to-tip if needed).
- Confirm you need a 3-in-1 blade (mulch, bag, side-discharge) versus a dedicated high-lift blade.
- Inspect the blade mounting hole pattern (star, round, etc.) and match it to the replacement.
- Replace blades in pairs on a 2-blade deck to keep cut quality even.
- Check blade hardware condition; replace worn nuts/pins as needed.
If you are also servicing the deck while replacing blades, these commonly get replaced at the same time:
| What you are servicing | Common related part | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Blade replacement | Blade drive belt | A worn belt can slip and reduce blade speed |
| Blade spindle area | Mandrel assembly | Worn bearings cause vibration and uneven cutting |
| Blade attachment | Cotter pin / flange nut | Damaged fasteners can loosen during operation |
Using the correct blade for Craftsman model 247203702 helps maintain proper airflow under the deck for clean cutting, bagging performance, and reduced clumping. The wrong blade style or length can leave uncut strips and strain the mandrel and belt.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a lawn mower engine?
On the Craftsman 247203702 front-engine lawn tractor, the engine is built from fuel, air-intake, ignition, and internal rotating parts that work together to create combustion and turn the crankshaft. Most no-start, rough-running, or stalling problems trace back to fuel delivery, airflow, or spark.
- Fuel tank: stores gasoline and feeds the fuel line
- Carburetor: mixes fuel and air for combustion
- Air filter: keeps dirt out of the engine intake
- Ignition system (coil and spark plug): creates spark at the right time
- Flywheel: helps smooth engine rotation and often carries ignition magnets
- Starter system (starter motor or recoil on some engines): cranks the engine to start
- Crankcase and crankshaft: houses oil and converts piston motion into rotation
These are not always inside the engine, but they directly affect starting and power:
| System | Common components | What you notice when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Safety interlock | Seat switch, brake switch, PTO switch | No crank or engine dies when you engage/ release controls |
| Electrical starting | Battery, cables, solenoid | Clicking, slow crank, or no crank |
| Fuel delivery | Fuel line, filter, shutoff valve (if equipped) | Starts then dies, surging, won’t start after storage |
If the engine clicks but will not crank, a common electrical suspect is the lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153.
- Use fresh fuel; old fuel is the most common cause after storage
- Inspect and clean or replace the air filter
- Confirm the spark plug wire is firmly seated
- Verify the safety interlock switches are being engaged properly
- Check battery terminals for corrosion and tightness
Knowing which group a part belongs to (fuel, air, spark, or mechanical) helps you troubleshoot faster and avoid replacing good parts. For model-specific diagrams and component locations on the Craftsman 247203702, use the 247203702 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on your Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 247203702 is worth it when the tractor is otherwise solid and the total engine swap cost stays under about 50% of the price of a comparable new tractor. If the deck, transaxle, or frame also needs major work, replacement makes more sense.
- The tractor drives and steers normally (no slipping, no loss of drive).
- The mower deck is structurally sound (no rust-through or cracks).
- The wiring and controls are in good shape (no widespread electrical issues).
- You can handle some DIY labor or have affordable labor available.
- You plan to keep the tractor for multiple seasons.
| What you find | What it usually means | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Engine failure only; deck and drive are strong | Good candidate for engine replacement | Replace engine if total cost is under ~50% of replacement cost |
| Engine failure plus transaxle slipping/no drive | Two major systems failing | Replace the tractor |
| Engine failure plus deck housing/spindles need major rebuild | Costs stack quickly | Replace unless you want a full restoration |
| Click-no-crank or no-start symptoms | Often not an engine problem | Diagnose starting and safety circuits first |
- Check battery cables and grounds for clean, tight connections.
- Verify safety interlocks (seat, brake/clutch, PTO) are working.
- If it clicks but won’t crank, test the starter circuit and solenoid.
- If it cranks but won’t start, check fuel quality, spark, and air flow.
For operating checks, safety interlock details, and diagrams, use the 247203702 owner's manual.
Keeping the deck and drive system maintained helps an engine replacement pay off.
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153
- Mtd lawn tractor 42-in deck 3-in-1 blade 942-0616A
- Craftsman lawn tractor ground drive belt, 5/8 x 35-11/16-in 954-05040
An engine swap can extend the life of a good Craftsman tractor, but only when the deck, transaxle, and frame are not near end-of-life. A quick diagnosis prevents spending engine-level money on a simple no-start issue.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding mower such as model 247203702 typically runs $800 to $2,500+ installed (engine, labor, and supplies). Most of the cost is the engine itself; labor and “while you’re in there” parts can push the total higher.
- Replacement engine: $500 to $1,800+
- Labor (shop service): $300 to $900+
- Fluids and supplies: $25 to $200 (oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware)
- Pickup/delivery (if used): $50 to $200+
| Scenario | What’s included | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| DIY swap | Engine + fluids + small parts | $550 to $2,000+ |
| Shop swap | Engine + labor + supplies | $900 to $2,500+ |
| Add-on repairs | Engine swap plus worn belts, electrical, or deck items | $1,100 to $3,000+ |
- Engine compatibility: crankshaft diameter/length, mounting pattern, and PTO setup
- Wiring and controls: charging circuit, ignition kill wire, and throttle/choke linkages
- Starting system condition: battery cables, key switch, and solenoid
- Overall mower condition: deck, transaxle, steering, and frame wear
These are optional, but they are frequent add-ons when the tractor is already being serviced:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153 (if cranking is intermittent)
- Deck and drive belts if worn or oil-soaked
- Fuel line, clamps, and fresh oil and filter
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Pricing the engine plus labor, then comparing that total to the tractor’s overall condition, helps you decide whether repair or replacement makes the most sense.
Before you price an engine, confirm the exact engine specifications and wiring/safety routing for 247203702 in the 247203702 owner’s manual. Matching the crankshaft and mounting details up front prevents buying an engine that will not bolt in or drive the deck correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
For Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 247203702, the engine brand is Zongshen. Craftsman has used several engine suppliers across different mower and tractor lines, but this specific model is equipped with a Zongshen single-cylinder gas engine; use the engine ID label to match tune-up parts.
Use the engine identification label on the engine itself; it lists the manufacturer and the engine model/spec information.
- Look for a sticker or metal tag on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine model and spec/type code exactly as shown
- Match tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter) to the engine model, not just the tractor model
- Use the tractor model number 247203702 for chassis, deck, and drive components
- Cross-check maintenance intervals and oil recommendations in the 247203702 owner's manual
| You are ordering or servicing | Use this identifier | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Engine maintenance and engine repair parts | Engine model/spec from the engine tag | Spark plug, air filter, carburetor parts, starter parts |
| Tractor chassis and cutting deck parts | Craftsman model 247203702 | Belts, blades, mandrel, deck hardware |
If you are diagnosing a starting problem (clicks, cranks but will not start), these step-by-step resources apply to most riding mowers and tractors:
- Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video
- Riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video
- Jump starting a riding lawn mower battery video
Ordering by the correct identifier prevents mismatched parts. The tractor model 247203702 points to the correct frame and deck diagrams, while the Zongshen engine ID ensures you get the right engine tune-up and ignition components.
Last updated: February 2026





