How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917253745, a full engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, labor rates, and whether related fuel or electrical parts also need replacement.
- Engine price: The engine itself is usually the biggest cost.
- Labor time: A riding mower engine swap commonly runs around 6 hours of shop time.
- Extra parts: Fuel, ignition, and mounting hardware often get replaced during the job.
- Condition of the tractor: Rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, or worn pulleys can add time.
- Delivery and disposal: Some shops charge for freight and old-engine disposal.
Even if you are only pricing an engine, we recommend inspecting these items because they can cause hard-starting or fuel issues after the swap:
- Fuel filter 84001895 (clogged filters can starve the new engine of fuel)
- Fuel lines and clamps (cracks and air leaks are common)
- Battery cables and grounds (corrosion causes slow cranking)
- Ignition switch and key circuit (intermittent no-crank symptoms)
- Throttle and choke linkages (binding can cause surging)
| Scenario | What it usually includes | Typical total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic engine swap | Engine + standard labor | $260 to $1,200 |
| Swap plus fuel-system refresh | Engine + labor + fuel line/filter cleanup | $350 to $1,500 |
| Higher-end replacement | Premium engine + added repairs | $900 to $1,800 |
A new engine is a major investment on a front-engine lawn tractor. Pricing the job correctly helps you decide whether to replace the engine or put that money toward other repairs (fuel system, starting system, or drivetrain) that may be affecting performance.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917253745 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the tractor’s deck, frame, steering, and transmission are still solid and the total repair cost stays well below the cost of replacing the whole tractor. It is usually not worth it when multiple major systems are worn out.
- The mower deck is not rusted through, cracked, or badly bent
- The transmission drives smoothly in all gears (no slipping or grinding)
- Steering and front axle are tight enough to track straight
- Electrical system is in good shape (key switch, wiring, charging)
- You can source the engine and any fuel system parts you need
- You plan to keep the tractor for several more seasons
A practical rule is to replace the engine when the full job (engine plus any must-do parts) is well under half the price of a comparable replacement tractor.
| Scenario | Usually the better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Deck and drivetrain are strong | Replace engine | You keep a known-good chassis and save money |
| Deck is damaged or rusted through | Replace tractor | Engine swap will not fix cut quality or safety |
| Transmission/steering also failing | Replace tractor | Costs stack quickly across major systems |
| You need fast, low-hassle reliability | Replace tractor | Less downtime and fewer follow-on repairs |
Even with a new or rebuilt engine, fuel and ignition issues can make the tractor run poorly. These are common add-ons to prevent repeat problems:
- Fuel filter 84001895 (helps prevent debris from reaching the carburetor)
- Fuel tank 532151346 (useful if the original tank is contaminated or leaking)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 (if starting is intermittent)
An engine replacement is a big investment of time and money. When the rest of the Craftsman 917253745 is structurally sound, an engine swap restores power and reliability; when the deck or drivetrain is near end-of-life, the same money often buys a better long-term outcome.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For the Craftsman riding mower model 917253745, the exact engine model and horsepower depend on the engine installed on your tractor (many units in this series use a Briggs & Stratton engine). The most reliable way to identify it is to read the engine ID label on the engine shroud and match it when ordering parts like a fuel filter.
Look for the engine identification label directly on the engine (not the mower frame). On most front-engine Craftsman tractors, it is on the blower housing or valve cover area.
- Find the engine brand (commonly Briggs & Stratton)
- Write down the Model, Type, and Code from the engine label
- Compare those numbers when selecting engine parts (carburetor, starter, alternator)
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean and use a flashlight to read stamped characters
- If the label is missing, use the tractor model 917253745 to narrow down compatible parts by system (fuel, ignition, charging)
Even before you know the exact engine model, these parts are frequently replaced when a tractor runs rough, stalls, or will not start:
- Fuel filter 84001895 (fuel delivery restriction, hard starting)
- Carburetor assembly 693480 (surging, flooding, no-start)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 (no crank, intermittent power)
- Motor 497596 (starter motor, no crank)
- Statr altrnt 592831 (charging problems, dead battery)
| Symptom | Most common area to check | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Starts then dies | Fuel flow | Fuel filter, fuel tank |
| Surges at idle | Carburetion | Carburetor assembly |
| No crank, no click | Starting circuit | Ignition switch, starter motor |
| Battery not charging | Charging system | Alternator |
Craftsman tractors can share the same mower model number while using different engine variants over the years. Using the engine label (Model/Type/Code) prevents ordering the wrong carburetor, starter, or charging component and gets your 917253745 running correctly faster.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is the Craftsman 917253745?
Craftsman model 917253745 identifies the tractor family and parts breakdown, not a single guaranteed model year. To pin down the exact production date for your specific unit, use the serial number and the ID tag information on the tractor, then match parts by the full model and serial.
Use the tractor’s identification tag first; it is the most reliable way to date and correctly match parts.
- Find the model/serial tag (commonly under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender pan)
- Record the model number (917253745) and the serial number exactly as shown
- Check the tag for any printed date or manufacture code
- Record the engine identification (model/type/code) if it has a Briggs & Stratton engine
- Use the parts diagrams for 917253745 to confirm the exact configuration before ordering
Many Craftsman tractors share a model number across multiple production runs; small running changes can affect fit even when the tractor looks the same.
| What you have | What it tells you | What to use for parts accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917253745) | Series and parts catalog grouping | Model plus serial number and diagram match |
| Serial number | Your unit’s specific build | Best clue for production run changes |
| Engine model/type/code | Engine family and spec | Best for engine-specific parts |
When you are trying to date a tractor, these are also the parts most likely to differ across runs, so verifying them in the diagrams matters.
- Fuel system components such as the fuel filter 84001895 and fuel tank 532151346
- Electrical parts such as the lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
- Chassis hardware and bearings (axle bearings, clips, nuts)
Getting the correct “year” is less important than matching the correct production run; that prevents ordering a fuel, ignition, or chassis part that is close but does not connect or mount correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
