Craftsman 917273360 tractor Parts

On your Craftsman 917273360 front-engine lawn tractor, the engine ID is typically found on the engine shroud (sheet metal) near the muffler and air cleaner; look for a stamped or printed model-type-code label you can use to match the correct tune-up and repair parts. For exact label locations and diagrams for your tractor, use the owner's manual.

Where to look on the engine

Check these common spots first (wipe off grass and oil so you can read the stamp clearly):

• On the sheet metal shroud directly above the muffler (muffler can be on the right or left side)
• On the front of the engine near the air cleaner housing
• Near the blower housing or recoil starter area (if equipped)
• On a valve cover or near the spark plug wire routing clip
• On a sticker plate on the engine block, just below the shroud edge

What numbers you need (and what they mean)

Most small engines use a 3-part ID. Write it down exactly as shown.

What you see on the engine	What it’s used for	Example format
Model	Identifies the engine family	12A802
Type / Spec	Identifies the exact build configuration	1234-B1
Code / Date	Helps match production changes	99010123

Why it matters

The tractor model number (917273360) identifies the mower chassis and deck, but the engine model and type identify engine-specific parts like the air filter, spark plug, carburetor parts, and ignition components. Using the correct engine ID helps prevent ordering the wrong maintenance parts.

Related troubleshooting tip

If you are chasing a no-start or click-no-crank issue while you are identifying the engine, the manual’s safety interlock rules matter: the brake pedal must be fully depressed and the attachment clutch must be disengaged for the engine to start. If it only clicks, a common repair part is the starter solenoid; see solenoid with brass plunger 532146154.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273360, the owner’s manual lists a Briggs single-cylinder engine; the engine breakdown specifies Briggs model 31C707-0230-E1. For tune-up and parts matching, we recommend confirming the engine model and spec numbers shown on the engine label and in the owner's manual.

Engine details for model 917273360

Here’s what we use to identify the correct engine and related parts for this tractor:

• Brand family: Briggs (as listed in the manual)
• Engine type: single-cylinder (typical for this series)
• Engine model (from the engine breakdown): 31C707-0230-E1
• Tractor configuration (from the manual cover): 42-inch mower deck, electric start, automatic transmission

Item	What to look for	Why it matters
Engine model	31C707-0230-E1	Confirms the correct engine family and major components
Engine spec/type code	Stamped/printed on the engine label	Ensures the right carburetor, ignition, and tune-up parts
Tractor model number	917273360	Ensures chassis, deck, and drive parts match

How to confirm the engine on your tractor

We recommend verifying the engine label on the engine shroud or valve cover area.

• Park on a flat surface and let the engine cool completely
• Lift the hood and locate the engine identification label
• Match the engine model first, then record the spec/type code
• Use the recorded numbers when selecting maintenance parts and diagrams

Why it matters

Many Craftsman tractors share similar frames and 42-inch decks, but engine spec/type codes can change the exact ignition, fuel, and governor components. Confirming 31C707-0230-E1 plus the spec/type code helps prevent ordering the wrong parts.

If you are shopping for common deck wear items while you are servicing the tractor, we often see customers replace blades at the same time; examples for this model’s 42-inch deck include the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 and the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you need additional engine-related parts not listed here.

Last updated: February 2026

For your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273360, the fastest way to find the right replacement parts is to use the model-based parts list and diagrams, then match the part name and part ID to what’s on your tractor. For model-specific maintenance and part identification, use the owner's manual.

The best way to search (recommended)

• Start with your exact model number: 917273360 (this narrows results to the correct deck, drive, and chassis configuration).
• Use the parts diagrams to identify the assembly first (mower deck, steering, drive, electrical).
• Match the part by part name + part ID, not just by a description.
• Confirm fit by comparing your old part’s measurements and mounting style.
• If you are replacing wear items (blades, belts, filters), check the maintenance section for service intervals and specs.

Common parts customers replace on model 917273360

These are examples of parts available for this model that people commonly shop for:

What you’re replacing	What it affects	Example part on this model page
Mower blade	Cut quality, mulching, discharge	Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
Ground drive belt	Tractor movement, slipping, no-drive symptoms	Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
Starter solenoid	Clicking, no-crank electrical issues	Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
Ignition key	No-start due to lost/damaged key	Molded ignition key 532140403

Why it matters

Using the exact model number and diagram callouts helps prevent ordering a look-alike part that mounts differently or has the wrong length, which can cause poor cutting performance, belt throw-off, or starting problems.

When to use broader search

If you do not see what you need in the parts list for model 917273360, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect to locate additional diagrams, assemblies, and replacement parts.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273360 fall into a few buckets: no-start or weak-crank issues (battery, wiring, solenoid), loss of power (fuel, spark, airflow), and cutting or drive complaints (belt, blades, deck buildup, mandrels). Our owner's manual troubleshooting chart points you to the fastest checks first.

Most common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Clicks but won’t crank: weak battery, poor cable connections, or a failing starter solenoid
• Cranks but won’t start: stale fuel, dirty fuel filter, fouled spark plug, clogged air filter
• Loss of power: dirty air screen/fins, clogged muffler, dirty fuel filter, carburetor out of adjustment
• Excessive vibration: worn or bent blade, loose blade bolt, bent mandrel
• Blades won’t rotate: obstruction in clutch mechanism, worn mower drive belt, frozen idler pulley, frozen blade mandrel
• Poor cut or poor discharge: deck not level, wet grass, low tire pressure, grass buildup under the deck or around mandrels

Quick checks we recommend before buying parts

1. Set throttle to FAST for mowing; slow throttle can mimic power loss.
2. Inspect fuel: drain and refill with fresh gasoline if it smells sour or looks dark.
3. Check the air filter and cooling fins; restricted airflow causes bogging.
4. Look under the deck for packed grass; buildup can clog deck venting around mandrels.
5. Inspect belts for glazing, cracking, or slack.

Parts that commonly solve these problems (when worn)

Problem area	What to inspect	Example part for this model
No-crank/clicking	Solenoid connections, corrosion, weak pull-in	Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
Loss of drive	Ground drive belt wear or breakage	Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
Poor cut/vibration	Bent or worn blades	Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971

Why it matters

Catching simple issues early (stale fuel, clogged airflow, deck buildup, loose wiring) prevents hard starting, overheating, uneven cutting, and premature belt or mandrel wear. That saves time and protects the engine and deck components.

For model-specific procedures like deck cleaning, belt routing, and adjustment points, follow the steps in the owner's manual. If you need to order parts, use the parts list for model 917273360 or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917273360 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the tractor’s deck, chassis, steering, and transmission are still solid and the total engine-swap cost stays well below the cost of replacing the whole tractor. If the tractor has widespread wear (deck rust-through, loose steering, recurring belt or mandrel failures), replacement usually makes more sense.

Quick decision checklist

• The mower deck is structurally sound (no cracks, severe rust, or bent mounting points).
• The blade system is in good shape (no chronic vibration from bent mandrels or worn pulleys).
• The drive system is reliable (no slipping, burning belt smell, or frequent loss of motion).
• You can do the work safely (engine off for adjustments; follow all safety steps).
• The engine replacement cost is clearly less than a comparable replacement tractor.

What to inspect on model 917273360 before you buy an engine

Use the maintenance and safety guidance in the owner's manual to evaluate the tractor’s overall condition, then focus on these high-cost areas:

Area to check	What “good” looks like	What pushes you toward replacement
Deck and discharge area	Deck is straight; discharge parts intact	Deck damage, missing/broken shielding, heavy corrosion
Blade and mandrel system	Smooth spin by hand (engine off); no wobble	Persistent vibration; bent mandrel symptoms
Drive and motion	Consistent movement; no belt squeal	Slipping, jerky motion, frequent belt issues
Safety interlocks	Starts and runs only under correct conditions	Bypassed or unreliable safety devices

Parts that often get replaced along with engine-related repairs

If your tractor is otherwise in good shape, these common wear items can help you restore performance and cut quality:

• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 if you get a click-no-crank symptom.
• Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 if motion is weak or the belt is worn.
• Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 if the cut is ragged or the blade is worn.

Why it matters

An engine swap can extend the life of a good Craftsman tractor for years, but it only pays off when the rest of the machine is safe and mechanically sound. The manual also emphasizes keeping safety devices working and avoiding adjustments with the engine running, which is especially important during major repairs.

You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917273360 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026