Craftsman 917273042 tractor Parts

For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 917273042, Craftsman has used engines from multiple manufacturers across different tractor models and years; the engine brand depends on the specific tractor configuration. For your exact engine identification (and the correct tune-up parts), we use the engine model and type information listed in the 917273042 owner's manual.

How to identify the engine brand on your tractor

Use these quick checks on your 917273042 to confirm what you have before ordering parts:

• Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
• Record the engine model, type, and code (often three separate fields)
• Match the engine label to the tractor’s documentation and parts diagrams
• If the label is missing, check for stamped numbers on the engine shroud or block
• Confirm you are reading the tractor model correctly: 917273042

Common engine brands you may see on Craftsman tractors

Craftsman tractors have commonly been equipped with engines from major small-engine makers. The exact brand varies by model and production run.

Engine brand	What it means for parts	What to record before ordering
Briggs & Stratton	Parts are selected by engine model/type/code	Model, type, code
Kohler	Parts are selected by engine spec number	Model, spec, serial
Kawasaki	Parts are selected by engine model/spec	Model, spec, serial

Why it matters

The engine brand and engine ID determine the correct maintenance items (spark plug, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter) and the right repair parts. Ordering by tractor model alone can lead to mismatches when the same tractor platform was built with different engine configurations.

Parts on this page that can still help (even before engine ID)

Some replacement parts are tractor-fit items rather than engine-specific. If you are repairing related systems, these are commonly ordered for 917273042:

• Molded ignition key 532140403 if the key is worn or missing
• Ignition harness 583012901 if you have intermittent no-crank or key-switch issues
• Switch.pto.3 582107601 if the PTO will not engage the mower deck

You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917273042, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917273042, a full engine replacement typically runs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, labor rates, and whether related items (belts, wiring, fuel parts) also need service. Plan on roughly 6 hours of labor for many riding mower engine swaps.

What drives the total cost

• Engine price (new, remanufactured, or used) is the biggest variable
• Labor rate and minimum shop charges vary by region
• Extra parts often needed during an engine swap (fuel line, clamps, wiring repairs)
• Deck and drive system condition (worn belts or pulleys can add time)
• Diagnosis time if the “bad engine” symptom is actually fuel, ignition, or safety interlock related

Before you replace the engine: quick checks that can save money

Many “won’t start” complaints are caused by fuel, ignition, or safety circuits, not a failed engine. The manual troubleshooting guidance points to common no-start causes like stale fuel, water in fuel, loose spark plug wire, clogged air filter, and wiring issues.

• Drain and refill with fresh gasoline if fuel is old or contaminated
• Inspect and secure the spark plug wire
• Clean or replace the air filter
• Check for loose or damaged wiring
• Verify the operator-safety presence and interlock system works as designed (seat switch, brake/clutch, PTO disengaged)

For model-specific operating and safety checks, use the owner's manual.

Typical time and cost ranges (planning table)

Scenario	What’s included	Typical total cost
Engine only, straightforward swap	Engine + basic labor	$260 to $1,200
Engine swap plus “while you’re in there” parts	Engine + belts, fuel parts, wiring fixes	$600 to $1,800
Not an engine failure	Tune-up, fuel system cleanup, safety switch repair	Often far less than engine replacement

Why it matters

Replacing an engine is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming fuel, ignition, and safety interlock operation first helps you avoid paying for an engine when the real issue is a simpler fix.

If you decide to move forward, you can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917273042 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman riding mower on this page, the model number is 917.273042 (often written without the dot as 917273042). In the owner's manual, this model is shown as a 20.0 HP electric-start tractor with a 46-inch mower deck.

How to confirm the model number on your mower

We recommend matching the number from the mower’s ID label to the manual and parts list for accuracy.

• Look for the product ID label under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the engine compartment
• Match the full model number exactly (including any dots or extra digits)
• Use the model number (not the deck size) when ordering belts, steering parts, or electrical parts
• If your mower is described as “42-inch,” verify the deck size separately because model families can vary

42-inch vs. this model’s deck size (why the question gets confusing)

Many owners refer to a mower by deck width (42-inch, 46-inch, etc.), but the model number is what identifies the exact build and parts.

What you have	What it tells you	What to use for parts
“Craftsman 42 riding mower”	Deck width description	Not specific enough
Model 917.273042 / 917273042	Exact tractor configuration	Best identifier
Mower deck size (42-inch or 46-inch)	Cutting width only	Helps narrow deck parts

Why it matters

Using the correct model number prevents wrong-part issues on common repairs like replacing a drive belt, steering linkage, or PTO electrical components. For example, if you need a PTO switch for this tractor, we list the switch.pto.3 582107601 for model 917273042.

You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are comparing parts across similar Craftsman tractors.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273042, the most reliable way to identify the year is to use the product identification information shown in the 917273042 owner's manual and then match it to the mower’s date code or manufacturing label on the tractor (typically found under the seat, on the frame, or near the engine area).

Where to look for the date information

Check these common label locations on front-engine Craftsman lawn tractors:

• Under the seat pan or seat bracket area
• On the frame rail (left or right side)
• Near the engine shroud or engine mounting area
• Under the hood near the dash tower
• Around the rear fender pan (inside surface)

How the date code is commonly formatted

Many Craftsman riding mowers use a 6-digit date code format on the label:

• First 2 digits: month
• Next 2 digits: day
• Last 2 digits: year

Example

If the code is 072811, that reads as July 28, 2011.

Quick checks to avoid misreading the year

Before you decide the mower’s year, verify these details:

• Make sure you are reading the date code, not the model number (917273042)
• Look for a label that also includes a serial number; the date code is often nearby
• If multiple numbers appear, write them down and compare formatting (date codes are usually 6 digits)

Why it matters

Knowing the year helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for wear items like belts, steering parts, and electrical components. For example, if you are troubleshooting PTO engagement, the switch.pto.3 582107601 is a common part to confirm against the correct build.

Common identifiers (what they mean)

Identifier	What it tells you	Example on this tractor
Model number	The tractor’s model family	917273042
Serial number	Unique unit identifier	Varies by unit
Date code	Build date (often MMDDYY)	072811

If you need replacement parts after you identify the year, you can order them from the parts list for model 917273042, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917273042 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the deck, steering, and drive system are still solid and you want several more seasons of service; it is not worth it when multiple systems are worn and total repair cost is close to a comparable replacement tractor.

Quick decision checklist

• Deck and frame are straight (no major rust-through or cracks)
• Tractor drives and stops correctly; brake operation is consistent
• Steering and front axle have no severe play or binding
• You can do the work safely (never service with the engine running)
• The problem is truly internal engine damage, not a no-start condition

Rule out common “bad engine” look-alikes

Many “needs an engine” calls are fuel, spark, or safety-interlock issues. Use the troubleshooting and maintenance guidance in the owner's manual to check:

• Stale or contaminated fuel; drain and refill with fresh gasoline
• Clogged in-line fuel filter; replace if fuel flow is restricted
• Spark plug condition and wire connection
• Dirty air filter and cooling fins/screen
• Safety interlocks: engine should only start with clutch/brake depressed and PTO disengaged

If the PTO circuit is part of the no-start or shutoff problem, the switch.pto.3 582107601 is one of the model-listed parts that may be involved after diagnosis.

Repair vs replace: practical comparison

Condition	What it usually means	Best move
Tractor is solid overall	Engine is the main failure	Replace engine or rebuild
Multiple systems worn	Deck, belts, steering, electrical stacking up	Replace tractor
Clicks or cranks but will not start	Often battery, wiring, fuel, interlocks	Diagnose first

Why it matters

An engine swap is high labor and high cost. When the rest of the Craftsman 917273042 is in good shape, the repair extends the tractor’s useful life; when other systems are failing, costs add up fast.

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

Last updated: February 2026