Owner’s manual
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What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman riding lawn mower model 917272070 uses a Kohler CV490 single-cylinder engine (type 27505). For the exact engine specs and service details for your tractor, we recommend using the engine section in the owner's manual.
How to confirm the engine on your tractor
Use these quick checks to match what you have in the yard to the correct parts list:
- Check the engine ID label on the engine shroud or valve cover for Kohler CV490
- Match the tractor model tag to 917272070 (typically under the seat or on the frame)
- Compare the starting system and engine controls diagrams in the manual
- If you are ordering electrical starting parts, verify your wiring matches the manual schematic
- When replacing ignition-related parts, confirm key style and harness routing before installing
Common engine-related parts you may need
If your tractor cranks poorly or has intermittent starting, these parts are commonly involved:
| Symptom | Most common area | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks but will not crank | Starter circuit | Solenoid 532146154 |
| No crank with key turned | Key switch circuit | Molded ignition key 532140403 |
| Intermittent no-start | Wiring connections | Ignition harness 532179722 |
Why it matters
The engine model determines the correct tune-up parts, starting-system components, and adjustment procedures. Using the Kohler CV490 identification helps you avoid ordering the wrong solenoid, harness, or other engine-control parts for your Craftsman 917272070.
Last updated: February 2026
How to identify a lawn mower engine?
To identify the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272070, use the engine identification label or stamping on the engine itself; the owner’s manual also lists the engine make and model used on this tractor. For this model, the manual shows a Kohler CV490 engine (type 27505).
Where to look on the tractor
Check these common engine ID locations first (clean the area so you can read it):
- On the blower housing/shroud near the recoil or cooling air intake
- On the valve cover area (V-twin engines often have ID near the cylinder head area)
- On the engine block near the starter or oil fill
- On a sticker/plate near the carburetor or air cleaner
- Near the muffler heat shield (sometimes the closest flat surface)
If the label is missing, the stamped numbers on the metal are the next best option.
What numbers you need (and what they mean)
Most small engines use a set of identifiers. Record all of them exactly as shown.
| What you see | What it’s used for | Example for this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model | Finds the correct engine family parts | Kohler CV490 |
| Type/spec | Narrows to the exact configuration | 27505 |
| Serial number | Production run details | Varies |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917272070) helps us find chassis and deck parts, but the engine model and type are what you need for tune-up parts and engine-specific items (starter components, gaskets, carburetor adjustments, and more). The manual also includes troubleshooting guidance for starting and running issues.
Helpful next step
Use the engine information listed in the owner's manual to confirm the engine model and type, then match that to the engine parts list when ordering.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I tell what year my Craftsman riding mower is?
For your Craftsman riding mower model 917272070, the most reliable way to determine the year is to read the model and serial number label on the tractor and decode the serial number date format shown in the owner's manual. Many Craftsman tractors use a month-day-year style code within the serial number.
Where to find the model and serial number
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the ID label is typically located in one of these spots:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
How to decode the year from the serial number
A common Craftsman serial number format uses the first 6 digits as a build date:
- First 2 digits = month (MM)
- Next 2 digits = day (DD)
- Last 2 digits = year (YY)
Example: 031398 = March 13, 1998.
Quick decode table
| Serial digits | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| MM | Month | 03 = March |
| DD | Day | 13 = 13th |
| YY | Year | 98 = 1998 |
If your serial number does not match that format
Craftsman has used more than one serial number style over the years. If the first 6 characters are not all digits, use these checks:
- Look for a separate “MFG DATE” or date stamp on the label
- Check whether the serial includes a letter code (common on some newer equipment)
- Match the tractor’s decal set and parts list to the manual’s model identification pages
Why it matters
Knowing the year helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for your 917272070, especially for wear items like blades, belts, and deck hardware. For example, the correct deck blade and mandrel components depend on the exact deck configuration.
Parts that often depend on the exact build/version
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
- Solenoid 532146154
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
For Craftsman lawn tractors, the engine brand depends on the exact model number. For Craftsman model 917272070, the owner's manual identifies the engine as a Kohler engine (shown in the engine parts section).
What this means for model 917272070
Use Kohler engine identification when you’re choosing tune-up parts and following service procedures for this tractor.
Check these spots to confirm the exact engine model and type on your unit:
- Engine shroud or valve cover label
- Emissions label near the muffler or blower housing
- Stamped tag near the starter or carburetor
- Engine section of the manual (fuel system, exhaust, crankshaft pages)
Common engine brands used on Craftsman riders
Across different Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, you’ll commonly see:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Kawasaki
- Other OEM engines depending on year and configuration
Quick check: tractor model vs. engine model
| Item | Where to find it | Example for this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | Frame tag under the seat or on the frame | 917272070 |
| Engine brand | Engine label and manual engine section | Kohler |
| Engine model and type | Engine label (best source) | Match the tag on your engine |
Why it matters
The engine brand and model determine the correct spark plug, air filter, fuel system parts, and adjustment specs. Matching the engine tag prevents ordering the wrong parts and speeds up troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes; replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272070 is worth it when the deck, steering, and drive system are still solid and the total swap cost stays well below replacing the whole tractor. It is not worth it when multiple major systems are worn.
Quick decision checklist
- Deck is structurally sound (not rusted through) and can be cleaned underneath
- No chronic excessive vibration from a worn or bent blade or mandrel
- Transaxle pulls strongly and does not slip under load
- You can do the work safely (fuel handling, hot surfaces, moving parts)
- You have ruled out a starting or safety-interlock problem
Cost and condition guide
| Compare | Replace engine | Replace tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Overall condition | One main failure (engine) | Several worn systems (engine plus deck or drive) |
| Total cost | Clearly less than a replacement | Near half the cost of a replacement |
| Time and labor | DIY or limited labor | Paying full labor plus more repairs |
Rule out common “bad engine” look-alikes
The troubleshooting chart in the owner's manual points to several issues that can mimic engine failure.
- Battery charge and cable connections (clean and tight)
- Starter circuit parts such as the solenoid 532146154
- Ignition key and switch contact (try a fresh molded ignition key 532140403)
- Safety interlock system (seat switch, brake switch, PTO/attachment clutch switch)
- Basic tune-up items: stale fuel, dirty air filter, low or dirty oil, fouled spark plug, clogged muffler
Why it matters
An engine swap only pays off when the rest of the tractor is dependable. Safe service practices in the manual (cool engine before refueling, keep hardware tight, never adjust with the engine running) help you avoid repeat failures after the swap.
Last updated: February 2026
