Craftsman 917253745 gt/18 twin 6-speed garden tractor Parts

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.

What drives the total cost

• 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.

Common add-on parts to check while the engine is out

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)

Typical cost ranges (parts + labor)

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

Why it matters

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

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.

Quick decision checklist

• 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

Cost and value guide (simple rule)

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

Parts we often replace during an engine swap

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)

Why it matters

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

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.

How to identify the engine on model 917253745

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)

Common engine-related parts you may need

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)

Quick symptom-to-part checklist

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

Why it matters

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

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.

How to identify the build date on your tractor

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

Why the “year” can be misleading

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

Parts that commonly vary by production run

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)

Why it matters

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