Craftsman 917254791 38" 12.5-hp riding lawn tractor Parts

On your Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 917254791, the model number is printed on a plate located under the seat. Lift the seat and look on the frame area beneath it; record the model number and serial number for ordering parts and service.

• Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and turn the key off
• Lift the seat up and look for the model plate on the frame underneath
• Write down both the MODEL NUMBER (917254791) and the SERIAL NUMBER
• Keep the numbers in a safe place for future reference
• Use the model number to match diagrams and parts lists in the 917254791 owner's manual

Your tractor and engine use different model numbers. The tractor model is under the seat; the engine model is on the engine itself.

Using the correct model number helps us show the right Craftsman parts for your exact 38 in, 12.5 HP tractor, including drive and deck components. The serial number can also matter when there are production changes within the same model.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 917254791 (12.5 HP OHV, 38-inch deck), we use 4-cycle engine oil; SAE 5W-30 is a solid all-season choice for most mowing conditions, especially cooler starts. For the exact oil type and service interval, follow the 917254791 owner's manual.

Most 4-cycle small engines on riding mowers run best on detergent automotive-style oil.

• SAE 5W-30: best for wide temperature swings and easier cold starts
• SAE 10W-30: common for warmer weather mowing
• SAE 30: typical for consistently warm temperatures (harder starting when cold)
• Use 4-cycle oil only (never 2-cycle mix)

• Park on a level surface and let the engine cool slightly
• Check the oil level before every mow; top off as needed
• Change oil on schedule and anytime oil looks dark, thin, or smells like fuel
• Keep the cooling fins and air intake areas clean so the engine runs cooler
• Dispose of used oil properly

Correct oil viscosity helps your Craftsman 917254791 engine lubricate quickly at startup, control heat, and reduce wear on internal parts. That directly improves starting, power, and engine life.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 917254791 does not have a single “model year” built into the model number. To identify the year your specific tractor was made or sold, we use the serial number and purchase date recorded for that unit (both are tied to the ID plate under the seat); see the 917254791 owner's manual.

On model 917254791, the identification plate is under the seat. We use that plate to match the tractor to the correct parts and documentation.

• Lift the seat and locate the model/serial plate
• Record the serial number exactly as shown
• Check your date of purchase (often written in the manual or on your receipt)
• Keep both for future parts lookups and service

For Craftsman tractors, the most reliable way to pin down the year is by cross-referencing the serial number and any date codes on the tractor or engine.

• Serial number on the tractor ID plate (under the seat)
• Engine model number on the engine blower housing (this model commonly lists 143.416082 in the manual)
• Any stamped date codes on the engine or frame
• Original sales paperwork (purchase date)

The correct year or production range helps us match the right drive belt, ignition switch, seat switch, and other parts that can vary across runs, even when the model number stays the same.

Last updated: February 2026