Craftsman 917273240 lawn tractor Parts

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273240 typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine price, labor rates, and whether related items (battery, belts, wiring) also need service. Engine replacement labor commonly runs about 6 hours for a riding mower.

• Engine price: new or remanufactured engine, horsepower and shaft specs
• Labor time: removal, swap, alignment, test run, and safety checks
• Extra parts: worn belts, pulleys, electrical switches, fasteners
• Shop supplies: oil, filter (if equipped), fuel filter, clamps
• Condition issues: stale fuel, dirty air filter, weak battery, damaged wiring

We often see higher quotes when the tractor also needs basic reliability fixes called out in the maintenance and troubleshooting sections of the 917273240 owner’s manual, such as:

• Replacing a fuel filter and draining stale fuel
• Cleaning or replacing the air filter
• Installing a new spark plug
• Charging or replacing the battery and cleaning terminals
• Inspecting wiring and safety interlock circuits

A correct engine match and a quick tune-up at install time prevents hard-starting, loss of power, and no-crank complaints that can look like “bad engine” symptoms but are often fuel, ignition, or battery related.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273240, the oil capacity depends on the exact engine installed; the correct fill amount is the amount that brings the oil to the FULL mark on the dipstick after a complete drain. Use the procedure in the 917273240 owner's manual to set the level accurately.

Follow this approach whether you are doing an oil change or topping off.

• Park the tractor on a flat, level surface and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool so the oil drains back into the crankcase.
• Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, then reinstall it fully.
• Add oil in small amounts (about 4 to 8 oz at a time).
• Recheck the dipstick each time; stop at the FULL mark.
• Start the engine briefly, shut it off, wait 2 to 3 minutes, then recheck and top off if needed.

Most front-engine riding lawn mower engines in this class take about 1.5 to 2.0 quarts when drained and refilled; the exact amount varies by engine family and whether an oil filter is changed.

• Replacing the oil filter increases the refill amount.
• Draining warm oil removes more old oil than draining cold.
• A slight slope changes the dipstick reading.
• Short drain time leaves more oil behind.

Running low on oil causes rapid engine wear; overfilling can cause smoking, plug fouling, and oil leaks. Filling to the dipstick mark protects the engine and keeps your Craftsman 917273240 running correctly.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273240, we look up the model number by finding the model and serial tag on the tractor, then using that exact model number when searching parts and manuals. On most Craftsman lawn tractors, the tag is on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat; confirm the exact location in the 917273240 owner's manual.

Check these common spots first (engine off, key removed, parking brake set):

• Under the seat on the frame rail (lift the seat and look for a sticker or metal plate)
• On the underside of the seat pan
• Near the rear fender pan area, close to the seat mounting points
• On the frame near the footrest area (less common)

Use the model number exactly as printed (including dots or spaces if shown on the tag).

• Enter 917273240 to pull the correct parts diagrams for your Craftsman lawn tractor
• Use the model number to match the correct deck, drive system, and steering parts
• Keep the serial number for service history and to confirm production variations

Craftsman model numbers are the fastest way to avoid wrong-part returns. Even similar-looking riding mowers can use different belts, pulleys, tires, or electrical switches depending on the exact model.

If you are matching a wheel or tire after you identify the model, the parts list for this tractor includes items like the tire 532122073 (example of a model-matched wheel and tire component).

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273240, we list the engine as a Kohler CV730-0018 (twin-cylinder) in the tractor’s engine parts breakdown. For the exact engine specs and service details, use the 917273240 owner's manual.

We recommend verifying the engine ID on the machine, especially if an engine has ever been replaced.

• Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label (often on the blower housing or valve cover area)
• Match the model and spec on the label to CV730-0018
• Compare the engine layout to the engine diagram in the manual
• If the label is missing, record the tractor model number 917273240 and use the manual’s parts lists to cross-check

If the tractor cranks or runs poorly, these common systems are worth checking during diagnosis and maintenance:

• Fuel quality and fuel delivery (old fuel is a frequent cause of hard starting)
• Battery and cable connections (clean, tight terminals)
• Safety interlock switches (seat, brake, PTO)
• Deck drive engagement components (PTO switch and clutch)

If your mower deck will not engage consistently, the pto switch 582107601 is one of the model-specific parts we commonly see involved in PTO circuit issues.

Using the correct engine identification prevents ordering the wrong Kohler service parts and helps you follow the right maintenance schedule (oil, filters, spark plugs) for the exact CV730 configuration.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273240, we use 4-cycle engine oil; SAE 10W-30 is the most common all-temperature choice, and SAE 5W-30 is a strong option for colder starts. Always confirm the exact oil type and capacity in the 917273240 owner's manual.

Most riding mower engines like the Kohler CV730 shown for model 917273240 run best on detergent 4-cycle oil.

• SAE 10W-30: best general-purpose choice for typical spring through fall mowing
• SAE 5W-30: better for cooler weather and easier cold starting
• Straight SAE 30: common for consistently warm weather (check the manual before using)
• Use oil that meets API service classification for gasoline engines (modern “SJ” or higher is typical)

The manual’s troubleshooting chart calls out low oil level or dirty oil as a common cause of power loss, so keeping oil clean and at the correct level is part of basic performance and engine protection.

• Check the oil level before each mowing session
• Change oil more often under heavy load or high heat
• Change oil more often in dusty conditions
• Clean grass and debris off the engine area so it runs cooler
• Shut the engine off and let it cool before servicing

Correct oil viscosity and regular oil changes reduce wear, help control engine temperature, and prevent symptoms like loss of power that show up when oil is low or contaminated.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917273240 is a specific lawn tractor model number, but the exact build year is not defined by the model number alone. We identify the year by matching the tractor’s product/serial number from the ID label to the manufacturing date information shown in the 917273240 owner's manual.

On most Craftsman 917-series riding mowers, the most reliable way to date the tractor is the ID label (often under the seat or on the frame near the rear wheels). Use these steps:

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
• Lift the seat and look for the model and serial/product number label
• Write down the model number (917273240) and the serial/product number exactly
• Compare that information to the identification section in the 917273240 owner's manual
• If the label is missing or unreadable, use the tractor’s major component numbers (engine model/spec, transaxle model) to narrow the timeframe

The documentation we have is clearly tied to TRACTOR model number 917.273240, and it lists model-specific assemblies such as the electrical system and ground drive components. That confirms you are working from the correct manual for this exact model number.

Craftsman used the 917-prefix across many years, and the same tractor family can look similar across multiple production runs. Using the ID label and manual-based identification prevents ordering the wrong parts (for example, a PTO switch, belt, or clutch that looks right but does not match your build).

Last updated: February 2026