Owner’s manual
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What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273482 is equipped with a 20.0 HP engine (with a low-emission design) and is paired with a 42-inch mower deck. For the exact engine make and service details used on your tractor, use the 917273482 owner's manual.
From the model-specific documentation, these are the key engine-related specs you can rely on:
- Engine output: 20.0 HP
- Mower deck size: 42 inches
- Starting system: electric start
- Drive type: automatic transmission
- Engine type note: low-emission engine (operates differently than older designs)
Craftsman tractors in this series were commonly built with engines from major manufacturers (for example, Briggs & Stratton or Kohler), but the sure match comes from the engine ID label on your specific unit.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine identification label (often on the blower housing or valve cover area)
- Record the engine model, type, and code/spec numbers
- Match those numbers to the engine section in the 917273482 owner's manual
- Use the engine ID when ordering tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter)
The tractor model number (917273482) tells us the chassis and deck platform, but the engine ID tag tells us the exact carburetor, ignition parts, and maintenance specs. Using the correct engine identification prevents ordering the wrong service parts.
| What you have | What it identifies | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model: 917273482 | Tractor, deck, drive system | Deck parts, belts, steering parts |
| Engine model/type/code | Exact engine build | Filters, spark plug, carburetor, ignition |
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a lawn mower engine?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273482, the engine is made up of fuel, air, ignition, starting, and cooling systems working together. Common engine parts include the air intake and cooling shrouds, flywheel, starter/solenoid components, spark plug(s), muffler, and an in-line fuel filter (seasonal service items are listed in the 917273482 owner's manual).
Most riding mower engines (including the Kohler engine used on model 917273482) group parts into these systems:
- Fuel system: fuel tank, fuel line, in-line fuel filter, carburetor
- Air intake and filtration: air filter, intake ducting
- Ignition/charging: flywheel, key, rectifier-regulator, ignition components
- Starting system: starter motor, solenoid, pinion drive, brushes
- Cooling and exhaust: grass screen, blower housing, cooling fins/shrouds, muffler (and spark arrester if equipped)
Your manual specifically references engine cooling and tune-up items that are part of the engine system:
- Grass screen and cooling fins/shrouds (keep clean to prevent overheating)
- Spark plug(s) (replace at the beginning of each mowing season or every 100 hours)
- In-line fuel filter (replace once each season)
- Muffler (inspect and replace if corroded)
| Part or system | What it does | Common symptom when it fails/gets dirty |
|---|---|---|
| Air filter / intake | Keeps dirt out of the engine | Hard starting, loss of power |
| Spark plug(s) | Ignites the air-fuel mix | Misfire, no-start |
| Fuel filter | Keeps debris out of carburetor | Surging, stalls under load |
| Cooling shrouds/fins | Prevents overheating | Hot smell, power drop, engine damage |
| Starter/solenoid | Cranks the engine | Clicks, slow crank, no crank |
Knowing the main engine parts helps you troubleshoot faster and do the right seasonal maintenance. On model 917273482, keeping the cooling areas clean and replacing the spark plug(s) and fuel filter on schedule helps prevent overheating, hard-starting, and fuel delivery problems.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth repairing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, it’s worth repairing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273482 when the problem is maintenance-related (fuel, spark, cooling, belts) and the tractor is otherwise solid; it’s usually smarter to replace the tractor or engine only when internal damage or repeated failures drive costs close to replacement.
- Repair first if the engine cranks/spins but runs poorly, overheats, or stalls (often tune-up, fuel, or airflow).
- Repair first if the issue is starting or charging (battery, cables, alternator/regulator).
- Repair first if the tractor has good compression and no major oil leaks.
- Consider replacement if you have metal knock, seized engine, or heavy smoke with oil consumption.
- Consider replacement if the deck, steering, and transmission also need major work.
The manual emphasizes routine items that prevent expensive engine damage, especially cooling and seasonal service.
- Cooling system cleanliness: Keep the grass screen, cooling fins, and shrouds clean; blocked airflow can overheat and damage the engine.
- Spark plug schedule: Replace spark plug(s) at the start of each mowing season or every 100 hours.
- Fuel delivery: Replace the in-line fuel filter once each season; a clogged filter can restrict fuel to the carburetor.
For the exact maintenance intervals and procedures, use the 917273482 owner’s manual.
| Repair type | Typical DIY cost | Typical shop cost | Usually worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tune-up (plug, filter, fuel filter) | $20 to $80 | $120 to $250 | Yes |
| Battery/cables/charging diagnosis | $0 to $150 | $100 to $300 | Yes |
| Carburetor clean/rebuild | $15 to $60 | $150 to $350 | Often |
| Major internal engine repair | $100+ parts | $400+ | No (most cases) |
A “small” maintenance issue can turn into a big engine failure. For example, running with dirty cooling fins or missing shrouds can cause overheating and permanent engine damage, so fixing airflow and basic service items early protects the engine and the tractor.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273482, a complete engine replacement (parts plus labor) typically runs $260 to $1,800. Most shops book around 6 hours of labor for a riding mower engine swap, and the final price depends heavily on the engine type and any extra repairs found during removal.
Engine replacement pricing varies because the job often includes more than just the engine.
- Engine price (new, remanufactured, or used)
- Labor rate (shop hourly rate and minimum charges)
- Extra parts commonly replaced during the swap (belts, pulleys, hardware)
- Fuel system cleanup if old fuel caused varnish or clogging
- Cooling system cleaning if the engine overheated (grass screen, cooling fins, shrouds)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $150 to $1,400 | Biggest variable; depends on horsepower and spec match |
| Labor | $200 to $700 | Often about 6 hours total for riding mowers |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $20 to $200 | Belts, clamps, fuel filter, oil, shop supplies |
Our experience with riding mowers is that many “dead engine” complaints are actually starting, fuel, or safety-interlock problems.
- Battery weak or cables corroded
- Starter/solenoid clicking but not cranking
- Old fuel or a clogged in-line fuel filter (many tractors need seasonal replacement)
- Spark plug wire loose or spark plug worn (often replaced every season or 100 hours)
- Dirty engine air screen/cooling fins causing overheating and damage
If the engine clicks but will not turn over, use riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video to narrow it down before committing to an engine.
A correct engine replacement restores reliability, but it is only a good value if the tractor’s drive system and deck are in solid shape. For example, if you also have loss of drive, a worn ground drive belt such as the lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 can add cost and should be addressed at the same time.
For model-specific maintenance intervals and troubleshooting steps (spark plug, fuel filter, cooling shrouds), follow the 917273482 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
