How to identify a lawn mower engine?
To identify the engine on your Craftsman rear-engine riding mower model 247204200, locate the engine’s ID stamping or label on the engine shroud near the muffler and air cleaner; those numbers tell you the engine make, model, and type so you can match the correct parts and tune-up specs.
Where to look on the engine
On most rear-engine riding mowers like the Craftsman 247204200, the engine identification is found on the sheet metal shroud (the metal cover around the engine) or on a label attached to it.
Check these common spots:
- On the engine shroud directly above the muffler (muffler may be on the right or left side)
- On the front of the engine near the air cleaner housing
- Near the valve cover area or on the blower housing (recoil or fan shroud)
- On a sticker plate on the side of the engine block
- On the engine itself near the spark plug wire routing
For diagrams and model-specific locations called out by the manufacturer, use the 247204200 owner's manual.
What numbers you need (and what they mean)
You typically need the engine model and type/spec (wording varies by engine brand). Write the numbers exactly as shown.
| What you see on the engine | What it’s used for | Example format (varies) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model number | Identifies the engine family | 12Axxx, 31Pxxx, etc. |
| Type / spec code | Identifies the exact build and parts | Type 0xxx, Spec xxxxx |
| Serial number | Production run tracking | Alphanumeric |
Why it matters
The mower model number (247204200) identifies the tractor, but the engine number identifies the engine’s internal parts and tune-up items. That prevents ordering the wrong ignition parts, carburetor parts, filters, or exhaust components.
Quick tips before you write it down
- Clean the shroud with a rag so the stamping is readable
- Use a flashlight and take a phone photo, then zoom in
- Copy dashes and letters exactly (they change the parts match)
- If the label is missing, check for a stamped number on the metal shroud
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find model number on riding mower?
On a Craftsman riding mower like model 247204200, the model number is printed on a product ID label attached to the frame or body. We recommend checking the most common label locations first, then confirming the exact format in the 247204200 owner's manual.
Most common places to check
Look for a sticker or metal tag with the model number (and often a serial number). Typical locations include:
- Under the seat (seat pan or seat bracket area)
- Rear of the frame, between or just above the rear wheels
- Left or right side of the frame rail near the engine
- Near the starter/engine shroud area (side of the starter housing)
- On or near the cutting deck (often rear-left area on some designs)
- Near the footrest or running board area
Quick tips to find it faster
- Wipe dirt and grass off the frame and seat pan; labels are often hidden by debris.
- Use a flashlight and look for a white sticker or stamped metal plate.
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (all digits).
- If the label is damaged, check nearby surfaces for a second tag.
What the label usually shows
| Label item | What it’s used for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact mower version | Ensures correct parts diagrams and fit |
| Serial number | Identifies your specific unit | Helps match production changes |
| Engine info (sometimes) | Identifies the engine model/type | Helps when ordering engine-related parts |
Why it matters
The model number is the fastest way to match the correct Craftsman parts and diagrams for your mower, especially for fit-critical items like a ground drive belt, interlock switch, or starter solenoid.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247204200 riding mower?
The model number for this Craftsman riding mower is 247204200. You will use 247204200 to match the correct parts diagrams, owner information, and replacement parts for your specific rear-engine riding mower.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Most Craftsman riding mowers have a model/serial tag in one of these common spots:
- Under the seat (on the seat pan or frame rail)
- On the rear frame near the hitch plate
- Along the left or right side of the frame, near the engine or transaxle
- Near the footrest area on the frame
If the tag is dirty or faded, wipe it clean and use a flashlight; the stamped characters can be easier to read at an angle.
Why the exact model number matters for parts
Even small design changes can affect belt routing, hardware sizes, and electrical connectors. Using 247204200 helps ensure you get parts that fit your mower’s configuration.
| What you’re doing | Why the model number matters | Example part from this model |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing a drive belt | Length and width must match the pulley layout | Ground drive belt 954-04317A |
| Fixing a no-crank issue | Safety circuits and terminals vary by harness | Starter solenoid 725-06153 |
| Restoring safety starting | Interlock switch style and mounting can differ | Interlock switch 725-04363 |
Quick checks before ordering parts
- Confirm the tag reads 247204200 (not a similar number)
- Match the part description to your symptom (drive, starting, cutting)
- Compare belt width/length and mounting points to your original part
- Use the diagrams and notes in the 247204200 owner’s manual
Why it matters
Ordering by the correct model number reduces returns and downtime; it also helps you follow the right belt routing and safety switch setup so the mower starts and drives correctly.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, it’s worth replacing the engine on your Craftsman riding mower model 247204200 when the chassis, deck, steering, and transaxle are still solid and the total engine swap cost stays well below the cost of a comparable new mower. If the mower has multiple major wear items, replacement usually makes more sense.
Quick decision checklist
- Replace the engine if the mower starts, drives, and cuts well aside from the engine issue.
- Replace the engine if the deck shell is not rusted through and spindles are not noisy or loose.
- Replace the engine if the wiring and safety interlock system are intact.
- Replace the engine if you can do the labor yourself or have a shop you trust.
- Replace the engine if the total repair cost is under about half the price of a comparable new mower.
What to price out before you decide
Use the 247204200 owner’s manual to confirm engine specs and mounting details, then compare these common cost buckets.
| Cost item | What it includes | Typical impact on the decision |
|---|---|---|
| Engine or short block | Core replacement | Biggest cost driver |
| Labor | Removal, swap, setup | Can exceed parts cost at a shop |
| “While you’re in there” parts | Belts, pulleys, wiring fixes | Often turns a “simple swap” into a bigger bill |
| Tune-up items | Spark plug, oil, filter, fuel line | Low cost, good prevention |
When replacing the engine is the better move
Engine replacement is the smart play when the rest of the mower is a good platform. On model 247204200, we see the best results when the drive system is healthy and the cutting system is not worn out.
- The mower drives smoothly with no slipping or grinding.
- The deck engages cleanly and cuts evenly.
- The frame is straight and not heavily corroded.
- You want to keep your current attachments and setup.
When buying a new mower is usually smarter
- The mower needs an engine plus a major drivetrain repair.
- The deck shell is cracked or rusted through.
- Electrical problems are widespread (intermittent no-crank, melted connectors, repeated fuse issues).
- You are paying full shop labor and the estimate approaches the cost of a new unit.
Why it matters
An engine swap can extend the life of a good Craftsman mower for years, but only if the deck, drivetrain, and electrical safety system are already in good condition. Otherwise, you risk stacking repairs and spending new-mower money on an old platform.
Last updated: January 2026





