How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917250810, a full engine replacement (parts plus labor) typically runs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on engine type, whether it’s new or rebuilt, and how much related work is needed. Use the 917250810 owner's manual to confirm engine specs and service procedures before pricing parts.
Engine replacement pricing varies most based on the engine itself and the “while we’re in there” items that often get replaced at the same time.
- Engine choice: new OEM-style, aftermarket equivalent, or rebuilt
- Labor time: most riding mowers take around 6 hours for a full swap
- Extra parts: belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel components, hardware
- Condition issues: seized pulleys, rusted fasteners, damaged mounts
- Shop rates: local labor rates and minimum charges
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $200 to $1,400 | Biggest variable; horsepower and shaft specs matter most |
| Labor | $60 to $600 | Often based on 4 to 8 hours plus shop rate |
| Related parts and supplies | $0 to $300 | Belts, filters, fuel line, clamps, oil, hardware |
Even if you’re only replacing the engine, we recommend inspecting these wear items because they can cause vibration, poor drive performance, or repeat failures.
- Deck and drive belt condition (example: husqvarna lawn tractor belt, 1/2 x 101-1/6-in 592855001)
- Starter circuit components (example: lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802)
- Fuel system leaks or contamination (example: fuel tank 597954504)
- Deck spindle and pulley wear if the mower had heavy vibration (example: lawn mower mandrel assembly 587819701)
An engine replacement only pays off when the rest of the tractor is solid. If the deck, transaxle, steering, and wiring are in good shape, a new engine can restore reliable starting, power under load, and consistent cutting performance.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman model number?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917250810, the model number is typically on an ID label on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat itself. Once you have the full model number and serial, you can match the correct diagrams, parts, and maintenance specs in the 917250810 owner's manual.
Check these common label locations first (clean the area if it is dusty or oily):
- Under the seat on the frame (lift the seat and look on the chassis rails)
- Underside of the seat pan (flip the seat up and look underneath)
- Rear fender area near the seat hinge (some labels are on the fender support)
- Near the engine compartment on the frame (less common, but worth a quick look)
Record the information exactly as printed so you get the right Craftsman riding mower and tractor parts.
| Label item | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917250810 | Identifies the exact tractor configuration |
| Serial number | Varies | Helps confirm production run and correct fit |
| Product number (if shown) | Varies | Can narrow down parts lists and diagrams |
If the sticker is faded, you can usually recover the numbers well enough to search parts.
- Wipe the label with a damp cloth and mild soap; dry it fully
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to make embossed printing stand out
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- Copy the full number including any leading zeros
Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but belts, blades, steering links, and deck parts can differ by model. Using the exact model number helps ensure the right fit for items like a mower deck belt or a 42-in blade.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman lawn tractors (including model 917250810) have been built with engines from several manufacturers over the years, most commonly Briggs & Stratton, and also Kohler and Kawasaki on some models. The exact engine brand on your tractor is confirmed by the engine ID label and the specifications in the 917250810 owner's manual.
Check these spots on the tractor and engine:
- Engine shroud or valve cover: brand name is often printed or embossed
- Engine ID label: look for a sticker or metal tag with model and type codes
- Under the hood near the muffler: common location for the ID label
- Frame tag vs. engine tag: the tractor model tag says 917250810; the engine tag names the engine maker
- Manual specs section: lists engine family details and service info
Craftsman has sourced engines across multiple production runs. Here is what’s typical:
| Engine brand | How it’s usually labeled | What it affects most |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | “Briggs & Stratton” plus model/type/code | Tune-up parts, carburetor kits, ignition parts |
| Kohler | “Kohler” plus Command/Courage/7000-series style model | Filters, starter, charging system parts |
| Kawasaki | “Kawasaki” plus FR/FS/FX style model | Fuel system parts, air filter, ignition parts |
The engine brand determines the correct maintenance and repair parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter, starter components) and the right service procedures. Using the engine ID label prevents ordering the wrong tune-up parts even when the tractor model number is correct.
If you’re troubleshooting starting or drive issues at the same time, these model-related parts are commonly involved:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (no-crank or clicking symptoms)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor belt, 1/2 x 101-1/6-in 592855001 (blade drive or ground drive concerns)
- Battery cables and grounds (corrosion causes slow crank)
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917250810 uses a single-cylinder gasoline engine (a common setup on front-engine lawn tractors). For the exact engine brand, displacement, and tune-up specs for your tractor, match the engine ID information using the 917250810 owner's manual.
You can confirm the engine make and model in minutes by checking the engine’s ID tag and comparing it to the manual.
- Lift the hood and look for an engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Use those numbers to select the correct air filter, spark plug, and oil type
- If the label is missing, record the tractor model (917250810) and look up the engine section in the manual
- Keep the engine code handy; it’s the fastest way to avoid ordering the wrong maintenance parts
Most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors in this class use a vertical-shaft, single-cylinder engine designed for mowing loads and belt-driven decks.
| Item | Typical for this tractor type | What to verify on your unit |
|---|---|---|
| Engine layout | Single-cylinder, vertical shaft | Engine model/type/code tag |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Fuel cap label and manual |
| Maintenance items | Spark plug, air filter, oil, fuel filter | Exact part numbers by engine code |
Engine identification drives everything: correct tune-up parts, oil viscosity, and troubleshooting steps (hard starting, surging, stalling). Using the engine code prevents mismatches and helps your Craftsman tractor run smoother and last longer.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of oil do you use in a Craftsman lawn tractor?
For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917250810, we use 4-cycle engine oil, most commonly SAE 5W-30 for reliable lubrication across a wide range of temperatures. For the exact oil capacity and any temperature-based exceptions, follow the 917250810 owner's manual.
In most conditions, SAE 5W-30 4-cycle engine oil is the right choice for this type of Craftsman riding mower engine.
- Use 4-cycle (not 2-cycle) engine oil
- SAE 5W-30 is the most common all-season grade
- Choose oil that meets API service ratings for small engines (typical modern oils do)
- Use fresh, clean oil from a sealed container
- Do not overfill; overfilling can cause smoking and rough running
Oil viscosity matters because it affects starting and protection when the engine is hot.
| Outdoor temperature | Typical oil grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Below 40°F | 5W-30 | Easier cold starts |
| 40°F to 90°F | 5W-30 | Best all-around choice |
| Consistently hot climates | 10W-30 (common alternative) | Can reduce consumption in heat |
These steps prevent hard starting, engine wear, and oil leaks.
- Park on a level surface and let the engine cool
- Check oil with the dipstick (wipe, reinsert, then read)
- Drain oil into an approved container and reinstall the drain plug securely
- Refill slowly, then recheck the dipstick before mowing
- After the first short run, shut down and recheck the level
Using the correct oil grade helps your Craftsman 917250810 start easier, run cooler, and protect internal engine parts (crankshaft, piston, and bearings). The wrong viscosity or low oil level is a top cause of premature engine wear.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917250810 made?
Craftsman model 917250810 was built during the LT2000-era production run; most units with this model family fall in the mid-2000s (commonly around 2003 to 2006). The exact build year is identified on the tractor’s product/serial number label and in the 917250810 owner's manual.
On Craftsman riding mowers, the most reliable way to pin down the year is the ID label on the machine.
- Lift the seat and look for the model and serial/product number label (often on the fender pan under the seat).
- Write down the full serial/product number, not just the model.
- Compare the number format to the identification section in the 917250810 owner's manual.
- If the label is dirty or faded, clean it gently and take a clear photo before the text wears further.
You usually do not need the exact year to buy common wear parts; the model number is what matters for fit.
| Task | Best identifier to use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering belts, blades, deck parts | Model number 917250810 | Ensures correct diagrams and substitutions |
| Confirming production year | Serial/product number | Year is encoded/traceable from this |
| Deck and spindle repairs | Deck configuration + part match | Deck variants can exist within a model family |
Knowing the build year helps when you are matching service bulletins, wiring variations, or engine family changes. For most repairs on a Craftsman lawn tractor, using the correct model number and the right part ID is the fastest way to get the correct replacement.
If you are servicing the mower deck and need a common spindle/mandrel component, match by model and deck diagram; a frequent replacement is the lawn mower mandrel assembly 587819701.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I get Craftsman replacement parts?
For your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917250810, we recommend buying replacement parts from Sears PartsDirect because you can match parts by model number and diagram to get the correct fit the first time. Start by confirming your exact model and specifications in the 917250810 owner's manual.
- Sears PartsDirect: model-based lookup for mower deck, steering, drive, and electrical parts
- Craftsman parts store: official source for service parts when you have the model number
- Major retailers (varies by item): common maintenance parts and accessories
- Specialty parts sellers: helpful for hard-to-find hardware and older equipment
Use your model number (917250810) and compare the part description to the diagram callouts.
- Match by model number first, then by part name
- Confirm whether the part is for the mower deck, ground drive, steering, or engine/electrical area
- Compare belt length and width when ordering belts
- Replace worn fasteners (lock nuts, clips) during repairs to prevent loosening
- Keep a record of the part number and where it installs for future maintenance
| Common need | Example part (by name and ID) | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut, noisy deck spindle | Lawn mower mandrel assembly 587819701 | Supports the blade spindle and pulley for smooth blade rotation |
| Worn or slipping belt | Husqvarna lawn tractor belt, 1/2 x 101-1/6-in 592855001 | Transfers power to the drive or deck system (by application) |
| No-crank or intermittent starting | Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 | Switches battery power to the starter circuit |
Using the correct model-specific part prevents fit issues, premature wear, and repeat repairs. On riding mowers and tractors, small differences in deck configuration, belt routing, and steering linkage can change which part you need.
Last updated: February 2026





