Craftsman 917287013 tractor Parts

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917287013 typically costs $800 to $3,000+ total (engine plus labor). The biggest price drivers are the engine type, whether the replacement is new or rebuilt, and the labor time to swap and set up controls, wiring, and belts; see the 917287013 owner's manual for model-specific service and safety guidance.

Typical cost breakdown

• Engine (new): $600 to $2,000+
• Engine (rebuilt/used): $300 to $1,200
• Labor: $300 to $900 (often 4 to 8 hours)
• Shop supplies and incidentals: $25 to $100
• Optional add-ons: battery, fuel line, filters, spark plug, blades, belts

Scenario	What you pay for	Typical total
DIY swap	Engine plus your time	$300 to $2,000+
Shop installs customer-supplied engine	Labor plus incidentals	$350 to $1,000
Shop supplies and installs engine	Engine plus labor	$800 to $3,000+

When engine replacement makes sense

Engine replacement is usually the right call when the tractor chassis, transaxle, and deck are in good shape, but the engine has major internal damage (low compression, thrown rod) or repeated no-start issues after normal tune-up steps.

Quick checks before you commit

We recommend ruling out common “no start” causes first:

• Battery charge and clean terminals
• Starter circuit and solenoid operation (a click with no crank often points here)
• Fresh fuel and a clean fuel filter
• Spark plug condition and tight plug wire connection
• Air filter and cooling fins free of debris

If the starter circuit is the issue, replacing the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 can be far less expensive than an engine.

Why it matters

An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the failure mode first helps you avoid replacing the engine when the real problem is a starting component, fuel delivery issue, or maintenance item.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman riding mower model 917287013 uses a low-emission gasoline engine; this tractor series is commonly equipped with a single-cylinder, vertical-shaft engine in the 15.5 HP class. For the exact engine identification (model, type, and code), we match the numbers stamped on your engine to the specifications in the 917287013 owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on your tractor

Use the engine’s ID tag, not the tractor hood decal. On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the engine label is on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter.

• Turn the engine off and let it cool completely
• Lift the hood and locate the engine manufacturer label
• Write down the model, type, and code (or spec number)
• Compare those numbers to the engine section in the manual
• Use the engine ID when ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter)

What we can confirm from the model documentation

The operator’s manual for this tractor family calls out a 15.5 HP, 38-inch mower configuration and notes the engine is a low-emission design that may operate differently than older engines.

Item	What to use	Why
Tractor model	917287013	Identifies the correct chassis, deck, and controls
Engine ID	Engine model/type/code	Identifies the correct engine parts and specs
Horsepower class	15.5 HP (typical for this manual)	Helps narrow engine family, not a parts match by itself

Why it matters

Ordering by “Craftsman riding mower engine” alone often leads to the wrong parts because multiple engines can be used across similar tractors. The engine ID ensures you get the right maintenance items and starting-system parts.

Related part that affects starting (not the engine itself)

If the engine clicks but will not crank, the starting circuit is a common place to check; the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 is one of the key components in that circuit.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917287013, use high-quality 4-cycle (4-stroke) detergent engine oil. Choose the SAE viscosity based on your outdoor temperature range; the manual includes an oil viscosity chart and the correct fill and checking procedure in the 917287013 owner's manual.

Recommended oil type and viscosity

Use oil intended for 4-cycle small engines (not 2-cycle mix oil). Then match viscosity to the season:

• Use the SAE viscosity listed for your temperature range (see the manual chart)
• Use detergent engine oil made for gasoline engines
• Do not mix oil with gasoline (this tractor uses a 4-cycle engine)
• Check oil with the tractor on level ground
• Fill only to the FULL mark on the dipstick; do not overfill

How to check and add oil (quick steps)

1. Park on level ground; shut the engine off and let it cool.
2. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick, wipe clean, reinstall and tighten.
3. Remove again and read the level.
4. Add oil slowly until it reaches the FULL mark.

Oil viscosity selection (typical guidance)

Use the manual for the exact recommendation; these are common choices for many riding mower engines:

Temperature range	Common SAE choice	What you will notice
Cold weather	5W-30	Easier starting, faster lubrication
Mild to hot weather	SAE 30	Strong protection at operating temperature

Why it matters

Correct viscosity helps the engine lubricate quickly at startup and maintain a protective oil film when hot. That reduces wear, improves starting, and supports consistent power while mowing.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917287013 is part of the 917.28701 tractor series shown in the documentation, which places it in the early-to-mid 2000s era of Craftsman lawn tractors. For the most accurate build date, we use the product identification label details referenced in the 917287013 owner's manual.

How to pinpoint the exact year for 917287013

We date Craftsman 917-series tractors by matching the model and serial information on the tractor to the manufacturer’s production records.

• Lift the seat and look for the model and serial label (often on the frame under the seat or near the rear fender pan).
• Confirm the model format; the manual shows Model No. 917.28701, which aligns with 917287013.
• Write down the serial number exactly as printed.
• Check the engine model and type on the engine tag (Briggs & Stratton or Kohler tags are common on this platform).
• Use the manual’s product identification and service guidance to keep the tractor configured correctly after any repairs.

Quick guide: what you can use to date it

What you find	Where it is	How it helps
Model number (917287013)	ID label under seat/frame	Confirms the correct tractor family
Serial number	Same ID label	Best indicator for production run
Engine model/type code	Engine shroud/tag	Helps narrow the engine’s build date

Why it matters

Knowing the year helps us match the correct parts diagrams and maintenance specs (belts, deck hardware, electrical parts). For example, starting and no-crank issues often trace back to battery cables, safety interlocks, or the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 rather than the ignition switch itself.

Related maintenance tip

If you are chasing a click-no-start symptom while dating the tractor, follow the same diagnostic flow we use in riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.

Last updated: February 2026