Craftsman 247203703 tractor Parts

The Craftsman riding mower model 247203703 uses a gas-powered, single-cylinder riding mower engine; the exact engine brand and horsepower rating vary by the specific build and are listed on the engine ID label and in the 247203703 owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on model 247203703

Use these quick checks to match the correct engine and service parts:

• Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
• Record the engine model, type, and code (common formats include Briggs style model-type-code)
• Compare the engine label info to the specifications section in the manual
• If you are ordering parts, match by tractor model 247203703 plus the engine ID
• If the mower cranks slowly or only clicks, check the starting circuit before assuming the engine is the issue

Common engine-related symptoms and what they usually mean

Many “engine problems” on a front-engine lawn tractor are actually fuel, ignition, or starting issues.

Symptom	Most common cause	What to check first
Clicks but won’t crank	Weak battery, bad solenoid, poor cable connection	Battery charge, terminals, solenoid
Cranks but won’t start	Fuel delivery or ignition issue	Fresh fuel, spark, air filter
Starts then dies	Safety interlock, fuel restriction	Brake/seat switch, fuel cap vent
Runs rough	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Air filter, fuel quality

If you hear a click and the starter does not turn, the lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153 is a common wear item in the starting circuit.

Why it matters

Knowing the exact engine model on your Craftsman 247203703 helps you get the right tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter) and prevents ordering the wrong components when troubleshooting no-start or no-crank problems.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 247203703, a full engine replacement typically costs about $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor), depending on engine type, shop rates, and whether related drive or electrical parts also need service. Use the 247203703 owner's manual to confirm your exact engine family and mounting style before pricing parts and labor.

What drives the total cost

• Engine price: Most riding mower replacement engines run $500 to $1,800.
• Labor time: Commonly 4 to 8 hours for a riding tractor engine swap.
• Shop rate: Often $90 to $160 per hour.
• Extra parts: Belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel line, clamps, and hardware can add $25 to $250+.
• Diagnosis time: If the engine is not confirmed failed, testing can add 0.5 to 1.5 hours.

Typical cost ranges (parts + labor)

Scenario	What’s included	Typical total
Basic engine swap	Engine, standard labor, minor supplies	$800 to $1,800
Engine swap plus “while you’re in there” parts	Engine, labor, belts or pulleys, tune-up items	$1,200 to $2,300
Complex replacement	Engine, labor, electrical or fuel system repairs	$1,600 to $2,500

Before you replace the engine (quick checks)

We recommend ruling out common no-start causes first because they can look like a bad engine:

• Battery weak or connections corroded
• Starter solenoid clicking but not sending power (see lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153)
• Safety interlock issue (brake, seat, PTO switch)
• Fuel delivery problem (stale fuel, clogged line)
• Seized deck or drive components loading the engine

Why it matters

An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the failure first helps you avoid paying for an engine when the real issue is a starting circuit problem, belt drag, or a safety switch fault.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 247203703, you can look up the model number by finding the model/serial tag on the tractor itself, then using that exact number to match parts and diagrams. The most common location is on the frame under the seat.

Where to find the model and serial number tag

Check these spots first (they are the most common on Craftsman riding mowers):

• On the frame under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the frame rails)
• On the underside of the seat pan (flip the seat up and look underneath)
• Near the rear fender area close to the seat mounting points
• On the frame near the engine compartment (less common, but worth a quick look)

For model-specific diagrams and identification notes, use the 247203703 owner's manual.

How to use the model number once you find it

Use the model number exactly as printed (including any dashes or extra digits) to ensure you get the right Craftsman parts list.

Quick checklist

• Write the model number and serial number down before the label gets dirty or faded
• Match the model number to the parts list for 247203703 to avoid ordering the wrong belt, blade, or pulley
• If the label is hard to read, wipe it gently and take a clear photo in good light

Why it matters

Craftsman riding mowers often share similar-looking decks and frames, but parts like the deck blade drive belt, ground drive belt, and mandrel assembly can vary by model. Using the correct model number helps ensure the parts you choose fit and route correctly.

Common label terms (what they mean)

Label term	What it’s used for
Model number	Identifies the exact tractor version for parts lookup
Serial number	Identifies the production run; helpful for confirming variations
DOM (date of manufacture)	Helps narrow down changes across years

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractors can use engines from several manufacturers; the exact engine brand depends on the specific tractor model and production run. For Craftsman model 247203703, the most reliable way to confirm the engine make and model is to check the engine identification label and cross-reference it with the owner's manual.

How to identify the engine brand on model 247203703

Look for an engine ID label or stamped tag on the engine itself (not the tractor frame). Common locations include:

• On the valve cover
• Near the starter motor
• On the blower housing (recoil shroud area)
• Near the muffler heat shield
• On the side of the engine block, close to the oil fill

Write down these details exactly as shown:

• Engine manufacturer name (if listed)
• Engine model number
• Engine type or spec code
• Engine serial number

Common engine brands used on Craftsman riding tractors

Across Craftsman riding mowers and front-engine lawn tractors, the most common engine brands you will see include:

• Briggs & Stratton
• Kohler
• Kawasaki
• MTD-branded engines on some units (varies by model and year)

Quick comparison: what the label usually looks like

Brand	What you typically see on the ID label	Why it helps
Briggs & Stratton	Model / Type / Code	Type and Code narrow down the exact build
Kohler	Model / Spec / Serial	Spec identifies the configuration
Kawasaki	Model / Spec / Serial	Spec confirms the correct parts match

Why it matters

The engine brand determines the correct tune-up parts and service specs (spark plug, air filter, oil type, fuel filter, and carburetor settings). It also helps avoid ordering the wrong drive components when troubleshooting issues like no-start or weak cranking.

Related troubleshooting help

If you are asking because the tractor will not crank or start, we recommend following a no-start path first:

• Confirm the battery is charged and terminals are clean and tight
• Verify the brake pedal is fully depressed and PTO is disengaged
• Check the seat switch and other safety interlocks
• Listen for a single click (solenoid) versus rapid clicking (low battery)

If you suspect an electrical starting issue, the lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153 is a common wear item on riding tractors.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on a Craftsman riding mower like model 247203703 are no-start or click-no-crank issues, rough running or stalling, poor cutting from deck and blade problems, and loss of drive from worn belts or pulley issues. We use the owner's manual to match symptoms to the correct checks and adjustments.

Most common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Engine won’t crank or only clicks: weak battery, loose/corroded battery cables, bad starter solenoid, or a safety switch not made (brake, seat, PTO).
• Cranks but won’t start: stale fuel, clogged fuel system, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug, or carburetor varnish.
• Engine starts then dies or surges: restricted fuel flow, dirty air filter, water in fuel, or carburetor issues.
• Blades won’t engage or cut is uneven: worn/slipping deck belt, damaged blade, deck out of level, or engagement linkage problems.
• Tractor won’t move or slips under load: worn ground drive belt, idler/pulley wear, or transaxle drive issues.

Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts

1. Set parking brake fully; disengage PTO; sit in the seat.
2. Inspect battery terminals for tight, clean connections.
3. Check belts for glazing, cracking, or a burnt-rubber smell.
4. Look under the deck for packed grass and debris.
5. Confirm blades are tight and not bent.

Parts that commonly fix these problems (when worn)

Problem you notice	Common fix	Example part for model 247203703
Deck won’t stay engaged, squeals	Replace deck blade drive belt	Lawn tractor blade drive belt, 1/2 x 96-1/2-in 490-501-y044
Tractor won’t drive or slips	Replace ground drive belt	Craftsman lawn tractor ground drive belt, 5/8 x 35-11/16-in 490-501-y087
Single click, no crank	Replace starter solenoid	Lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153a
Poor cut quality, torn grass tips	Replace blade(s)	Mtd lawn tractor 42-in deck 3-in-1 blade 942-0616A

Why it matters

Catching belt wear, blade damage, and starting-circuit problems early prevents bigger failures like overheated pulleys, damaged mandrels, and repeated no-start situations that leave the tractor stranded mid-job.

Last updated: February 2026