What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276862 uses a low-emission gasoline engine and, in this model’s documentation, it’s paired with a 24.0 HP, 54-inch mower deck configuration. For the exact engine family and service details, use the specifications and maintenance sections in the owner's manual.
What we can confirm for model 917276862
From the operator’s manual for this tractor, the key identifiers are:
- Model series: 917.276862 (also listed with related models 917.276863 and 917.276865)
- Power and deck configuration shown: 24.0 HP with a 54-inch mower
- Engine type: low-emission engine (operates differently than older designs)
- Starting system: electric start
- Drive type: automatic transmission
How to identify the exact engine on your tractor
Even within the same tractor model family, the most reliable way to identify the engine is by the engine’s ID label and the manual’s spec pages.
- Look for the engine model/type/code label on the engine shroud or valve cover area
- Match that information to the engine section in the owner's manual
- Use your tractor’s model number 917276862 when ordering tune-up and starting parts
- If the tractor cranks slowly or only clicks, check battery connections and starting circuit components
Quick ID checklist
| What to check | Where to find it | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model/type/code | Engine label | Exact engine family and build |
| Tractor model number | Tractor frame tag | Confirms correct parts diagrams |
| Manual specs section | Owner's manual | Configuration and operating details |
Why it matters
The exact engine identification determines the correct spark plug, air filter, oil type, and many starting system parts. Using the right engine data also prevents ordering the wrong ignition or charging components.
Parts that commonly relate to engine starting (if you are troubleshooting)
If your engine will not crank or start, these model-matched parts are often involved:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (routes battery power to the starter)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 (sends start/run power through the key switch)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (correct key for the switch)
For broader parts lookup by model number, we also support search and ordering through Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917276862, a full engine replacement typically runs about $800 to $2,500 installed (engine, shop labor, and incidentals). If you do the work yourself, the engine-only cost is commonly about $500 to $1,800, depending on horsepower and crankshaft specs.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price (new replacement engine vs. rebuilt)
- Labor time (riding tractors usually take longer than walk-behind mowers)
- Extra parts and supplies (fuel line, clamps, oil, filter, spark plug)
- Electrical or starting issues found during diagnosis (battery cables, solenoid, ignition switch)
- Shipping and core charges (varies by engine source)
Typical cost breakdown (installed)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $500 to $1,800 | Biggest variable; depends on exact engine spec match |
| Labor | $300 to $700 | Often 3 to 6 hours depending on rust, access, and wiring |
| Fluids and small parts | $25 to $150 | Oil, filter, fuel filter, hardware |
| Total installed | $800 to $2,500 | Common real-world range |
Before you replace the engine, confirm it is actually bad
Many “dead engine” complaints on riding tractors are caused by starting or safety-interlock problems. We recommend checking these first:
- Battery charge and cable connections
- Fuse and wiring condition
- Brake pedal fully depressed and PTO disengaged
- Starter circuit components (solenoid, ignition switch)
- Fuel quality and fuel filter condition
Model 917276862 uses common serviceable starting parts; if you are chasing a no-crank issue, parts like the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 and lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 are often involved.
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. A quick diagnosis can prevent replacing a good engine when the real problem is a $30 to $50 electrical part or a maintenance issue.
Helpful reference
- Specs, operating guidance, and troubleshooting steps are in the owner's manual.
You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917276862 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of oil do you use in a Craftsman lawn tractor?
For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276862, use high-quality detergent 4-cycle engine oil rated API SG-SL; the recommended viscosity is SAE 30 above 32°F and SAE 5W30 below 32°F. This matches the tractor’s product specifications in the owner's manual.
Oil type and capacity for model 917276862
Use the viscosity that matches your typical mowing temperature:
- Above 32°F: SAE 30
- Below 32°F: SAE 5W30
- Oil rating: API service classification SG-SL
- Oil capacity with filter: 64 oz
- Oil capacity without filter: 60 oz
| Operating temperature | Recommended oil | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Above 32°F | SAE 30 | Good all-around protection in warm weather |
| Below 32°F | SAE 5W30 | Easier cold starts |
| Above 32°F (using multi-viscosity) | 5W30 or 10W30 | Check level more often; oil use can increase |
Maintenance tips that prevent engine damage
We recommend these habits for this Craftsman tractor engine:
- Check the oil level before starting and then about every 8 hours of operation.
- Change oil every 50 hours of use or at least once per year.
- Check oil more frequently if you run 5W30 above 32°F, since consumption can increase.
- Keep the oil fill cap and dipstick area clean so dirt does not enter the crankcase.
- Always park on a level surface when checking or filling oil.
Why it matters
Using the correct SAE viscosity and an API SG-SL rated oil helps keep the engine properly lubricated across temperature changes, reduces wear during starts, and lowers the risk of running the crankcase low on oil.
If you are stocking up on maintenance items for seasonal service, we list model-matched replacement parts on this page, and you can also search by model number at Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917276862 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the deck, steering, and drive system are still solid and you want several more seasons of dependable mowing; it is not worth it when the deck is rusted through or multiple major systems need repair.
Quick decision checklist
- Deck is structurally sound (no cracks, no rust-through)
- Tractor drives smoothly forward and reverse, and brakes work correctly
- Wiring and safety interlocks are intact (no melted connectors, no bypassed switches)
- You can handle fuel safely and route belts correctly during reassembly
- Total engine-swap cost stays well below the cost of a comparable replacement tractor
What we recommend inspecting first on 917276862
Use the maintenance and safety guidance in the 917276862 owner's manual and check these items before committing to an engine:
- Deck and spindle area: Excess vibration or wobble often points to mandrel wear
- Blade engagement: If blades will not engage or disengage reliably, plan for PTO-related repairs
- Cooling system cleanliness: Blocked grass screens and dirty cooling fins can cause overheating damage
- Fuel delivery: Old fuel or a restricted in-line fuel filter can mimic engine failure
Cost and value comparison
| Condition you find | Best move | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Deck and drivetrain are strong; engine is the main failure | Replace the engine | Restores reliability without stacking other big repairs |
| Deck is damaged; steering or drive is also worn | Replace the tractor | Prevents paying for an engine and then chasing more failures |
| It only clicks or will not crank | Diagnose starting circuit first | A common electrical part can be the real cause |
Parts often mistaken for “bad engine” symptoms
If the engine will not crank or only clicks, these parts are common culprits:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Molded ignition key 532140403
Why it matters
An engine swap is a major time and money investment. When the deck and drivetrain are already dependable, a new engine extends the useful life of your Craftsman 917276862; when they are not, the engine becomes only one of several expensive repairs.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
“Craftsman 6.75” is an engine power label used on many different walk-behind mowers; it is not a single model number. The model on this page, Craftsman 917276862, is a lawn tractor; use the model tag on your 6.75 mower to get the exact model number, and use the 917276862 owner's manual as a reference for where Craftsman places model identification labels.
How to find the model number on a Craftsman 6.75 walk-behind mower
Use the full model number from the product label (often a 917.xxxxx format). Common label locations include:
- Rear of the mower deck near the discharge chute
- On the back of the deck near the rear door or bagging opening
- On the handle bracket or handle support uprights
- Under the engine shroud area near the mounting plate
- Near a wheel height adjuster bracket
What to write down (so you get the right parts)
Record the complete identification from the tag; the model number is what matches the correct blade, belt, wheel, and drive parts.
- Model number (example format: 917.XXXXXX)
- Product number (if listed)
- Serial number (helps confirm production run)
Quick comparison
| What you see | What it means | What to use for parts lookup |
|---|---|---|
| “6.75” | Engine power class label | Not enough by itself |
| Model number on tag | Exact mower/tractor identity | Use this every time |
| 917276862 | Specific Craftsman lawn tractor model | Use for tractor parts and diagrams |
If you are troubleshooting a no-start on model 917276862
For this Craftsman tractor, common no-start culprits are in the starting and ignition circuits. Parts that often relate to these symptoms include:
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 (no crank, intermittent crank)
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (single click, no crank)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (worn key, won’t turn switch reliably)
For step-by-step checks, we also use the troubleshooting flow in the riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Why it matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers can share the same “6.75” engine label but use different decks, drive systems, and belts. The model number on the tag is the only reliable way to match the correct replacement parts.
You can also search by the exact model number at Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





