Craftsman 917255820 44" 16-hp yard tractor Parts

For a Craftsman model 917255820 front-engine riding lawn mower (tractor-style rider), a complete engine replacement typically runs $260 to $1,800 installed. Total price depends on the replacement engine specs, shop labor time, and any related parts you replace at the same time; follow the safety steps in the 917255820 owner's manual.

What drives the total cost

Engine swaps vary because the job often includes setup and “while you’re in there” repairs.

• Engine match requirements (crankshaft diameter, length, keyway, mounting pattern)
• Labor time for removal, install, throttle/choke hookup, and test run
• Electrical condition (starter cables, key switch, solenoid connections)
• Fuel system condition (old fuel, cracked tank, brittle fuel line)
• Deck drive condition (belt and idlers that were stressed by the old engine)

Typical cost breakdown

Cost item	Typical range	What it covers
Engine (part only)	$200 to $1,400	Correct spec engine for the tractor-style rider
Labor	$150 to $600	R&R, adjustments, run test
Misc. parts/fluids	$20 to $200	Oil, filters, clamps, hardware

Parts commonly replaced during an engine swap

If these parts are worn, replacing them during the engine job prevents repeat downtime.

• Deck belt (cracked, glazed, stretched): lawn tractor blade drive belt 532106085
• Idler pulley (noisy, wobbly): pulley 532139245
• Fuel tank (cracked, contaminated): fuel tank 532151346
• Starter circuit switching (clicks, intermittent crank): solenoid 532146154
• Ignition switch (no crank with good battery): lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402

Why it matters

A riding mower engine is not a universal swap; matching crankshaft and control linkages is what makes the tractor start, charge, and drive the deck correctly. The manual also stresses basic fire safety, such as keeping the engine area free of grass and grease and letting the engine cool before storage.

You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917255820, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers across its riding mower and lawn tractor lineup. For the Craftsman 917255820 (44-inch 16-hp yard tractor), confirm the engine brand by reading the engine ID label and cross-checking maintenance specs in the 917255820 owner's manual.

How to identify the engine brand on model 917255820

The engine ID tag is the fastest, most accurate way to identify the manufacturer and the correct tune-up parts.

• Lift the hood and find the engine label on the shroud, valve cover, or near the starter
• Write down the engine model and type/spec numbers (not just horsepower)
• Use those numbers to match the correct spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter style
• Keep your tractor model and serial number handy (the model plate is on the drawbar)

Common engine brands used on Craftsman tractors

These are the most common suppliers you will see on Craftsman lawn tractors; which one you have depends on the tractor series and production run.

Engine brand	Typical use on Craftsman equipment	ID tag wording to look for
Briggs & Stratton	Many lawn tractors	Model and type code
Kohler	Some mid to higher output tractors	Model and spec number
Kawasaki	Select models	Full engine model number

Why it matters

The engine brand and engine model determine oil type/quantity, ignition parts, and service intervals. For example, the manual calls out routine tasks like changing engine oil, cleaning cooling fins, and replacing spark plugs (often each season or every 100 hours).

Parts that can affect starting and running

If you are troubleshooting a no-crank or no-start, these model-related parts are common checks:

• Starting circuit: solenoid 532146154
• Key and switch issues: lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
• Fuel leaks or contamination: fuel tank 532151346

To order replacement parts for Craftsman 917255820, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman 917255820 is a YT 16 Twin yard tractor; it uses a 16 HP twin-cylinder gasoline engine configuration. For the exact engine identification (model/type code on the engine label), we use the engine shroud tag information referenced in the owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on your tractor

Even within the same tractor model, the most reliable way to confirm the exact engine is to read the engine’s ID label.

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and remove the ignition key
• Let the engine cool completely
• Lift the hood and locate the engine ID tag (commonly on the blower housing or valve cover)
• Record the engine model, type, and code exactly as printed
• Use that ID when ordering tune-up parts (spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter) or engine service items

Where the manual helps

Your manual for the 917255820 includes operating and maintenance details that match this tractor’s engine setup, including oil checking and fueling guidance.

• Oil capacity is listed as 3 pints
• Use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline
• Keep the front grill clear so air can flow and prevent overheating

For the full procedures and diagrams, follow the owner's manual.

Common engine-related parts you may need

If you are troubleshooting starting, charging, or safety-interlock issues, these parts are commonly involved on this tractor:

Symptom	What to check first	Example part on this model page
No crank (key does nothing)	Battery connections, wiring, ignition switch	Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
Clicks but won’t crank	Battery condition, starter solenoid	Solenoid 532146154
Cranks but won’t start	Fuel quality, choke/throttle setting, spark	Fuel system inspection (tank/lines)

Why it matters

The tractor model number (917255820) tells us the correct chassis and deck parts, but the engine ID tag tells us the correct engine-specific service parts. Matching both prevents wrong-part returns and repeat repairs.

Last updated: February 2026