Craftsman 917251492 tractor Parts

The Craftsman riding mower model 917251492 uses a twin-cylinder, 18.5 HP engine; the engine model number listed for this tractor is MV18S-58560. For the exact engine identification details and where to find the engine tag on your tractor, use the owner's manual.

How to confirm the engine on your tractor

We recommend matching the engine model number on the engine itself to the manual listing.

• Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and let the engine cool.
• Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label on the blower housing.
• Write down the full engine model number and any spec or type numbers.
• Compare what you wrote down to the manual listing (MV18S-58560).
• If the label is missing or unreadable, use the tractor model plate under the seat to confirm you have model 917251492.

Engine details at a glance

Item	What to look for	Where you’ll find it
Tractor model number	917251492	Model plate under the seat
Engine model number	MV18S-58560	Engine blower housing
Engine configuration	Twin-cylinder	Visible on engine layout and label
Power rating	18.5 HP	Listed in the manual

Why it matters

The tractor model number and engine model number are both used to get the right tune-up parts and repair parts (for example, ignition and starting components). If your tractor cranks slowly or only clicks, a common starting-system suspect is the starter solenoid; this model uses a serviceable solenoid such as the solenoid 532146154.

You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917251492 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman 917251492 front-engine lawn tractor, the engine is built around fuel delivery, air intake, ignition, and rotating internal parts that convert combustion into power. You will also have starting and charging components that let the engine crank, run, and keep the battery charged; see the owner's manual for your exact engine model details.

Main lawn tractor engine parts (what they do)

• Fuel system: fuel tank, fuel line, fuel shutoff (if equipped), carburetor
• Air intake: air filter, air box, intake manifold
• Ignition: ignition module/coil, spark plugs, flywheel magnets
• Starting system: starter motor, starter solenoid, ignition switch/key
• Internal engine: crankcase, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, rings, valves
• Lubrication and cooling: oil sump, oil filter (if equipped), cooling fins, air screen

Parts you can check or replace on this model

These are common “engine won’t crank” or “no start” related items we see on riding mowers and tractors:

• Ignition key: molded ignition key 532140403
• Starter solenoid: solenoid 532146154
• PTO safety circuit component (blade engagement switch): switch 582107601
• Fuel tank connection piece (fuel tank stem): engine fuel tank stem 532139277

Quick symptom-to-system guide

Symptom	Most likely system	What to inspect first
Clicks but won’t crank	Starting, battery cables	Battery charge, cable connections, solenoid
Cranks but won’t start	Fuel, ignition, air	Fresh fuel, air filter, spark plug/coil
Starts then dies	Fuel delivery, safety interlocks	Fuel flow, carburetor, seat/brake switches
Backfires on shutdown	Ignition timing, throttle setting	Idle speed and shutdown procedure

Why it matters

Knowing which system you are troubleshooting prevents unnecessary parts replacement. For example, a single click often points to the starting circuit (battery, cables, solenoid), while steady cranking with no start usually points to fuel, spark, or airflow.

For model-specific maintenance intervals and adjustment procedures (carburetor, throttle cable, air filter service), use the owner's manual. You can also search parts by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman riding mower on this page, the model number is 917251492. On the tractor itself, we find the model number on the model plate located under the seat; use that number to match the correct parts list and owner's manual.

How to confirm the model number on your mower

• Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key.
• Lift the seat and look for the model plate (tag) under the seat.
• Write down the full model number exactly as shown.
• Use the tractor model number (not the engine model number) when ordering parts.
• If the tag is hard to read, clean it gently and recheck the digits.

42-inch vs 46-inch deck: why the size can be confusing

The model 917251492 is commonly shown with a 46-inch mower deck in the documentation. If you were told you have a 42-inch Craftsman mower, that usually means you have a different tractor model number than 917251492.

What you are checking	Where to look	What it tells you
Tractor model number	Model plate under the seat	Which parts diagrams fit your tractor
Deck size	Deck shell decal or deck stamping	42-inch vs 46-inch cutting width
Engine model number	Engine blower housing	Engine-specific parts only

Why it matters

Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong belt, blade, or electrical parts. For example, a PTO switch or blade drive belt can vary by tractor model and deck configuration.

Ordering the right parts

Once you confirm your model number, order parts from the list for that exact model. Common items customers replace include the switch 582107601 (PTO switch) and the riding lawn mower blade drive belt 532148763. For additional model lookups and parts search, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917251492 was produced during the LT1000-era of Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors; most units in this model family were built in the early-to-mid 2000s. For the exact build year of your tractor, match the manufacturing date information on the tractor’s ID/serial label using the steps in the owner's manual.

How to find the exact year on your tractor

We use the tractor’s ID/serial label because it ties your specific unit to a manufacturing date and correct parts configuration.

• Look for the ID/serial label under the seat, on the rear fender pan, or near the frame rail.
• Write down the model number (917251492) and the serial number exactly as shown.
• If your label includes a date code, record it and decode it per the manual’s identification guidance.
• If the label is dirty or faded, clean it gently and take a clear photo before the text wears further.
• Use the serial number when ordering parts to avoid mismatches in electrical and chassis components.

What the manual confirms about this model

The documentation for this tractor identifies it as TRACTOR, model number 917.251492, and shows model-specific repair parts listings (electrical, chassis, ground drive, and engine sections). That confirms you are working with a defined parts configuration even if the exact production year varies by serial range.

Model identifiers you may see

Item	What it tells you	Where it helps
Model number: 917251492	The correct parts diagrams and assemblies	Ordering belts, switches, hubs, and hardware
Engine listing (example in manual)	The engine family used on this tractor configuration	Tune-up parts and engine-related troubleshooting
Serial/date code on label	The exact build timing for your specific unit	Pinpointing the exact year

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors that look identical can use different PTO switch, starter solenoid, belt lengths, or wheel hub hardware across production runs. Confirming the build year and serial range helps ensure the replacement part fits the first time.

Parts that commonly vary by production run

If you are troubleshooting or replacing wear items, these are common “fit-critical” areas to double-check against your serial information:

• PTO engagement switch (example: switch 582107601)
• Starter solenoid (example: solenoid 532146154)
• Ground drive and wheel hub components (example: lawn tractor wheel hub 532140507)
• Blade drive belt (example: riding lawn mower blade drive belt 532148763)

If you need to order parts beyond what’s listed for your tractor, we recommend searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917251492, a full engine replacement typically costs $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). Price depends on whether you’re installing the correct replacement engine for this tractor and how much additional work is needed to transfer parts and set up the controls.

Typical cost breakdown

Cost item	Typical range	What it covers
Replacement engine	$500 to $1,800	Engine assembly (varies by brand, horsepower, and availability)
Labor	$300 to $900	Commonly 4 to 8 labor hours plus shop rate
Parts and supplies	$25 to $150	Oil, filter, fuel line/clamps, hardware, shop supplies

What makes the price go up or down

• Correct-fit engine vs. modified fit: adapting wiring, exhaust, throttle/choke, or pulleys adds time.
• Parts you must transfer: PTO components, pulleys, and brackets often move from the old engine.
• Electrical and starting system condition: weak battery cables or bad connections add diagnostic time.
• Fuel system cleanup: stale fuel, clogged lines, or a dirty tank can add parts and labor.
• Deck and drive belt condition: worn belts sometimes get replaced while the tractor is apart.

Before you replace the engine, rule out common “engine” symptoms

The troubleshooting and maintenance sections in the owner's manual cover issues that commonly mimic a bad engine.

• Battery weak, terminals corroded, or cables loose
• Blown fuse or damaged wiring
• Faulty ignition switch or safety interlock problem
• Stale fuel or restricted fuel flow
• Starter circuit failure (clicking, no crank)

If you hear a click but the engine does not crank, the starting circuit is a prime suspect; a common repair is replacing the starter solenoid such as the solenoid 532146154 when it matches your parts diagram for model 917251492.

Why it matters

An engine swap can approach the value of an older tractor. Confirming the problem first helps you avoid paying for an engine when the real issue is a solenoid, wiring, fuel delivery, or routine maintenance.

You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917251492 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026