Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273649, a full engine replacement (engine plus labor) typically costs $260 to $1,800. Most of the total is the engine itself; labor commonly runs several hours on a riding mower because the wiring, fuel line, throttle/choke, and belt/PTO setup must be transferred and tested.
Typical cost breakdown
Shops usually quote a combined parts-and-labor price; here are the common buckets that make up the estimate:
- Replacement engine (new or remanufactured)
- Labor to remove and install the engine
- Oil and basic tune-up items (oil, filter, spark plug)
- Fuel system service if fuel is stale or contaminated
- Test run and safety interlock checks
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $200 to $1,500 | Varies by horsepower, shaft size, and direct-fit vs. adaptation |
| Labor | $200 to $800 | Riding mowers take longer than walk-behinds |
| Fluids and small parts | $20 to $150 | Oil, filter, clamps, fuel line, etc. |
What makes the price go up
These are the most common add-ons we see during an engine swap on a front-engine rider:
- Deck drive belt, idlers, or mandrels need service while access is open
- Battery, cables, or charging system issues show up during testing
- Fuel tank and carburetor need cleaning after stale fuel or water in fuel
- PTO engagement problems require clutch or wiring diagnosis
The troubleshooting chart in the 917273649 owner's manual also calls out deck-side issues (like a worn belt or frozen idler/mandrel) that can be repaired at the same time if the blades will not rotate.
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower; using a realistic range helps you decide whether to replace the engine, repair the existing one, or invest in other high-wear items.
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273649, you can look up (and confirm) the model number by finding the model/serial tag on the tractor itself, then matching it to the format shown in the 917273649 owner's manual. The tag is typically on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat.
Where to find the model and serial tag
Check these common locations first:
- On the frame directly under the seat (lift the seat to view)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender area around the seat mounting points
- On the frame rail near the rear wheels (less common)
What the model number looks like on the tag
For this Craftsman tractor, the model number is printed as 917.273649 in the manual; the same number is often shown on the tractor tag without the dot as 917273649.
| Where you see it | Example | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Owner documentation | 917.273649 | Same model, formatted with a dot |
| Tractor ID tag | 917273649 | Same model, formatted without a dot |
Tips to make sure you record the right number
Use these quick checks so you do not end up ordering the wrong parts (like blades or belts):
- Write down both the model number and serial number from the tag
- Take a clear photo of the tag before it gets dirty or faded
- Match the model number exactly; one digit off can change the deck or transmission parts
- If the tag is hard to read, compare the tractor features listed in the manual (42-inch deck, electric start, automatic transmission)
Why it matters
The model number is how we match the correct Craftsman parts diagrams and parts, including common wear items like the Craftsman lawn tractor blade drive belt, 5/8 x 97-2/5-in 532174883 and 42-inch deck blades.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273649 is equipped with a low-emission gasoline engine and is sold as an 18.5 HP, 42-inch mower configuration. For the exact engine make, model, and service specs, use the identification details listed in the 917273649 owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917273649
We recommend confirming the engine by reading the engine ID label (usually on the blower housing or valve cover area). Record these items:
- Engine brand name (commonly Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or similar)
- Model number
- Type number
- Code or date code
- Displacement (cc) if shown
Where to look and what to write down
Engine labels vary by supplier, but the information you need is consistent.
| What you need | Where you typically find it | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model/type | Engine shroud or valve cover area | Tune-up parts and service specs |
| Code/date code | Same label as model/type | Correct carburetor and ignition parts |
| Serial number | Label or stamped pad | Warranty and exact replacement matching |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917273649) tells us the chassis and deck platform (including the 42-inch mower deck), but engine parts and specifications are matched to the engine’s own ID. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong air filter, spark plug, starter, or carburetor parts.
Related maintenance tip
If you’re troubleshooting starting issues while identifying the engine, follow the steps in riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video to narrow down fuel, spark, and compression basics.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is the Craftsman 917273649?
Craftsman model 917273649 does not map to one single “model year.” To get the exact production year for your tractor, use the model and serial number (and any date code) from the ID label on the tractor, then reference the identification information in the 917273649 owner's manual.
How to find the year on your tractor
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the product identification label is under the seat or on the rear fender area.
- Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Lift the seat and look for the model and serial label on the frame or fender pan
- Write down the model number and serial number exactly as shown
- Look for a date code or manufacturing code printed on the same label
- Clean the label gently so the numbers are readable (avoid harsh solvents)
- Use the manual’s identification section to interpret what you find
What the documentation confirms for model 917273649
The manual for Craftsman 917273649 confirms you are working from the correct parts breakdown for this exact model number (for example, it shows “MODEL NUMBER 917,273649” in multiple sections).
| What you’re trying to identify | Where to look | What you’ll use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917273649) | ID label | Confirms the correct parts diagrams and lists |
| Serial number | ID label | Used to narrow production run and year |
| Date code (if present) | ID label | Fastest way to pinpoint the build timeframe |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can look nearly identical across multiple seasons; the serial and date code prevent ordering the wrong deck, belt, or electrical parts for your exact production run.
If you are also matching deck parts while you’re checking the label, confirm your blade style and deck setup before ordering; a common option for 42-inch decks is the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971.
Last updated: February 2026
