How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917273758, a full engine replacement typically runs $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The total depends on the engine type, whether the wiring and fuel system need updates, and shop labor time.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price: Most replacement riding mower engines fall in the $500 to $1,800 range.
- Labor time: Commonly 4 to 8 hours for a riding mower engine swap.
- Extra parts: Belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel filter, and mounting hardware can add cost.
- Shop rates: Local labor rates vary widely.
- Condition of the tractor: Rusted fasteners, damaged harnesses, or worn drive components increase time.
Typical cost breakdown (installed)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $500 to $1,800 | Biggest variable (brand, horsepower, shaft specs) |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often 4 to 8 hours |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $25 to $200 | Fuel line, clamps, oil, filter, hardware |
| Estimated total | $800 to $2,500 | Most common real-world range |
Before you replace the engine, check these common “no start” causes
Many tractors get quoted for an engine when the real issue is electrical, fuel, or safety interlocks.
- Battery condition and cable connections
- Safety interlock system (seat switch, brake/clutch switch, PTO/attachment clutch)
- Fuel quality (old fuel or water in fuel)
- Spark plug and plug wire connection
- Air filter and cooling fins/screens (overheating and poor running)
For model-specific operating and maintenance checks, use the 917273758 owner’s manual.
Why it matters
An engine replacement can cost close to the value of an older riding mower. Pricing the job with the correct engine specifications (shaft diameter/length, crank orientation, charging output) helps avoid fitment problems and repeat labor.
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
To look up your Craftsman model number, we recommend finding the model and serial tag on the tractor first, then using that exact model number (for example, 917.273758 for model 917273758) when searching parts and manuals. On most Craftsman riding tractors, the tag is on the frame under the seat area.
Where to find the model and serial number on model 917273758
Check these common locations (clean off grass and dirt so the tag is readable):
- On the frame under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the chassis rails)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender or seat bracket area
- On a sticker or metal plate close to the transaxle area
For diagrams and model identification details tied to your tractor, use the 917273758 owner's manual.
How to use the model number to look up the right parts
Once you have the tag information, match it exactly (including dots and any extra digits/letters). Then:
- Search using the full model number: 917273758
- Use the parts diagrams to confirm the part fits your exact configuration
- Match the part description and hardware style (nuts, clips, pulleys) before ordering
- If you are replacing deck parts, confirm deck size (this model is shown as a 42-inch mower deck in the manual)
Quick lookup checklist
| What you have | What to type for lookup | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model tag shows 917.273758 | 917273758 (or 917.273758) | Ensures correct parts diagrams and revisions |
| Serial number | Keep for reference | Helps identify production run differences |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors often share similar frames and decks across multiple models. Using the exact model number prevents ordering a blade, belt, or transaxle part that looks right but mounts differently.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman model 917273758, the owner’s manual identifies it as an 18.0 HP front-engine riding lawn tractor with a 42-inch mower deck; the manual does not specify the engine manufacturer in the excerpted pages, so we use the manual’s horsepower rating as the reliable identifier. See the 917273758 owner's manual for the engine section and maintenance specs.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917273758
The most accurate way to confirm the engine brand and model is to read the engine ID label on the engine itself.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine label (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or serial)
- Compare those numbers to the engine section in the manual
- Use the engine ID when ordering tune-up items (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter)
- If the label is dirty, wipe it gently so the numbers are readable
What we can confirm from the manual (model-specific)
Based on the documentation for model 917273758:
| Item | What the manual shows |
|---|---|
| Tractor model | 917.273758 |
| Engine rating | 18.0 HP |
| Deck size | 42 in |
| Starting system | Electric start |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can use different engine families across similar-looking models. Using the engine ID label prevents ordering the wrong ignition parts, filters, or carburetor-related items, and it helps match the correct maintenance intervals.
Related parts you may replace during engine and mowing maintenance
These are common wear items on this tractor platform:
- Blades (for cut quality and vibration)
- Deck drive and ground drive belts
- Mandrel components (if you hear grinding or see wobble)
If you are refreshing the deck at the same time, a correct-fit blade option is the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is a Craftsman 917273758 riding mower?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917273758 is identified in the 917273758 owner's manual as an 18.0 HP, 42-inch mower with electric start and a 6-speed transaxle. The manual excerpt provided does not list a specific manufacture year, so we use the model and product ID label on the tractor to match the exact production date.
Where to find the year on model 917273758
On Craftsman tractors, the build date is typically tied to the product identification label rather than printed in the owner’s manual.
- Look under the seat pan area and seat bracket
- Check the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Look near the rear fender or transaxle area
- Record the model number and any serial number/date code
- Use the exact characters as shown (including dots or dashes)
Quick ID checklist (what we know from the manual)
From the documentation for Craftsman 917273758, we can confirm these model identifiers:
| Item | What to look for | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Engine rating | 18.0 HP | Confirms you are matching the correct tractor family |
| Deck size | 42-inch mower deck | Ensures the correct deck and blade system |
| Starting system | Electric start | Helps distinguish from similar manual-start units |
| Transmission | 6-speed transaxle | Narrows down the correct configuration |
Why it matters
The exact year affects parts lookups and compatibility for common repairs like mower deck service, belts, and blades. For example, this model’s 42-inch deck uses specific blade options such as the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 and the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971, and the correct match depends on the tractor’s exact configuration.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman engines are made by several manufacturers depending on the specific mower or tractor model. For Craftsman model 917273758 (18.0 HP, 42-inch deck), the exact engine maker is identified on the engine’s ID label and in the 917273758 owner's manual.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on your 917273758
We use the engine’s model and type code to match the correct tune-up and repair parts.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Compare that information to the engine section in the manual and parts diagrams
- Use the engine model to select the correct air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter
- If the label is missing, record the tractor model 917273758 and the engine’s visible features (carburetor style, air box shape, muffler layout)
Common engine makers used on Craftsman riding tractors
Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, these brands are the most common engine suppliers:
| Engine brand | Where you’ll see it | What to look for on the label |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Many Craftsman lawn tractors | “Briggs & Stratton” name plus model/type/code |
| Kohler | Some mid to higher tier tractors | “Kohler” plus model/spec |
| Kawasaki | Some performance-focused models | “Kawasaki” plus model/spec |
Why it matters
The tractor model number tells us the chassis and deck parts, but the engine manufacturer and engine model determine the correct ignition, fuel, and air-intake maintenance parts. That prevents wrong-part returns and helps the engine start and run correctly.
Last updated: February 2026





