Craftsman 917289451 tractor Parts

On the Craftsman tractor model 917289451, the engine model number is typically on an identification label or stamped into the engine itself, most often on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter. Use the locations shown in the 917289451 owner's manual to confirm the exact spot for your tractor.

Quick places to check on the engine

• Top or side of the engine shroud (blower housing)
• Valve cover area on either cylinder (common on V-twin engines)
• Near the starter motor or starter solenoid mounting area
• On the frame near the engine (sometimes a secondary label)
• Under heavy dirt or grass buildup (wipe the area clean first)

How to find it fast (what we recommend)

1. Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key.
2. Let the engine cool completely.
3. Use a flashlight and wipe the engine shroud and valve cover areas with a rag.
4. Look for a sticker with a model and type code, or a stamped number in the metal.

What number you actually need (engine vs. tractor)

You are looking up	Where it’s used	What it helps you match
Engine model number	Engine parts diagrams	Tune-up parts, carburetion, ignition parts
Tractor model number (917289451)	Tractor parts diagrams	Deck, steering, transaxle, chassis parts

Why it matters

The engine model number identifies the exact engine family and build; that prevents ordering the wrong ignition, fuel, or starting parts. For tractor-side repairs (mower deck, steering, drive), use the tractor model number 917289451.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman riding mower model 917289451 uses a 26.0 HP low-emission engine (as rated by the engine manufacturer). For the exact engine make, model, and service specs (oil type, spark plug, air filter), we follow the identification details listed in the owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on model 917289451

Use these quick checks so you match the right tune-up and fuel system parts:

• Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
• Write down the engine model, type, and code exactly as shown
• Match the engine ID to the specifications and maintenance sections in the manual
• If the label is missing, use the tractor model number 917289451 plus the engine’s visible features (single vs. V-twin, filter style, muffler layout)
• Confirm the correct parts before ordering (common mix-ups include ignition and starting components)

Common engine-related parts customers replace

If your tractor cranks slowly, clicks, or will not crank, these parts are frequent suspects on riding mowers:

Symptom	Most common area	Example part on this model page
Single click, no crank	Starting circuit	Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
No response when key turns	Key switch or wiring	Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
Mower blades will not engage	PTO control circuit	Switch.pto 582107601

Why it matters

The engine brand and exact engine code determine the correct maintenance specs and tune-up parts. Using the wrong oil viscosity, spark plug, or air filter can cause hard starting, poor performance, and faster wear.

Last updated: February 2026

The model number for this Craftsman riding mower is 917.289451 (often shown in manuals as 917.28945). You’ll find it on the model tag and on the cover page of the owner's manual, which is the best reference when ordering parts or checking specifications.

Where to confirm the model number on the tractor

Use these common locations on Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors:

• Under the seat on the fender pan or seat deck area
• On the frame near the rear wheels
• Near the engine compartment (inside the hood area)
• On a sticker or metal plate with “Model No.” and “Serial No.”

Why you might see 917.28945 vs 917.289451

Both formats point to the same tractor family; printed materials sometimes drop the last digit.

Where you’re looking	How it may appear	What to use for parts
Model tag on tractor	917.289451	917289451
Owner’s manual cover	917.28945	917289451
Parts listings	917289451	917289451

Why it matters

Using the exact model number helps us match the correct diagrams and parts for your deck, steering, and electrical system (for example, the ignition switch and starter solenoid circuits).

Related parts customers commonly replace

If you’re troubleshooting starting or engagement issues, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:

• Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
• Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
• Switch.pto 582107601

Last updated: February 2026

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917289451 typically costs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, whether any wiring or fuel parts need replacement, and local labor rates. Engine swaps on riders commonly take around 6 hours of labor.

What drives the total cost

• Engine price (new or remanufactured) and whether it’s a direct-fit replacement
• Labor time (engine removal, mounting, belt and pulley alignment, test run)
• Extra parts needed due to age or damage (fuel lines, wiring, pulleys, hardware)
• Electrical starting issues discovered during diagnosis (battery cables, solenoid, ignition switch)
• Deck and drive adjustments after installation (belt routing, deck levelness)

Common add-on parts for model 917289451

If the original “engine won’t crank” problem is actually in the starting circuit, these parts are common fixes on this tractor:

Symptom	Often involved part	Example part on this model page
Clicks but won’t crank	Starter solenoid	Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
No crank, intermittent power	Ignition switch	Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
PTO won’t engage (separate from engine)	PTO switch	Switch.pto 582107601

Before you replace the engine (quick checks)

We recommend ruling out basic issues first because they can mimic a “bad engine”:

• Verify the battery is charged and terminals are clean and tight
• Inspect wiring for loose or damaged connections
• Check for stale fuel, clogged fuel filter, or dirty air filter (common no-start causes)
• Confirm safety devices are working; the manual notes not to tamper with safety devices
• Review the troubleshooting and service sections in the owner's manual

Why it matters

An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. A short diagnosis first often prevents replacing a good engine when the real issue is a solenoid, ignition switch, fuel delivery, or a safety interlock problem.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917289451 is part of the 917.28945 tractor series shown in the owner's manual. The exact build year is identified from the tractor’s product identification label (model and serial number tag), not from the model number alone.

How to find the exact year on your tractor

We use the identification label on the tractor to determine the manufacturing date information.

• Look under the seat first; many Craftsman tractors place the model and serial tag there
• Also check the rear fender pan, frame rail, or under the hood near the engine area
• Write down the model number and serial number exactly as shown
• Compare what you find to the identification section in the owner's manual
• If the label is damaged, clean it gently and use a flashlight to read stamped characters

What the manual tells us (and what it does not)

The manual confirms the tractor family and key configuration (26.0 HP, 54-inch deck, electric start, 6-speed transaxle) for model 917.28945, which aligns with your 917289451 model listing. It does not list a single “manufactured in” year on the cover pages.

Quick reference

Item	Where to get it	What it’s used for
Model number (917289451)	ID label	Confirms the correct parts diagrams and parts list
Serial number	ID label	Used to narrow production run and date coding
Manual model family (917.28945)	Owner's manual	Confirms series and operating specs

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors can share very similar model numbers across multiple production runs. The serial number is what helps match the correct steering, deck, and electrical parts (for example, an ignition switch or starter solenoid) when there were mid-run changes.

Last updated: February 2026