Owner’s manual
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What are the parts of a lawn mower engine?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 247270381, the engine system is built around fuel delivery, air intake, ignition, lubrication, and cooling components that work together to start, run smoothly, and stay protected from overheating and wear. For model-specific maintenance and safety details, use the 247270381 owner's manual.
Core engine parts (what they do)
- Fuel tank and fuel cap: stores gasoline and seals the system to reduce spills and vapor leaks.
- Carburetor (or fuel delivery system): mixes fuel and air for combustion.
- Air filter (air cleaner): keeps dirt out of the engine; a dirty filter can cause poor idle and power loss.
- Ignition system: typically includes the ignition coil and spark plug to ignite the fuel-air mixture.
- Engine oil system: oil in the crankcase lubricates internal parts; low oil can quickly damage the engine.
- Cooling system: cooling fins and blower housing move air to prevent overheating.
- Flywheel and starter system: helps the engine spin fast enough to start (electric starter on many tractors).
Quick symptoms-to-part checklist
| Symptom | Most likely engine area | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Engine overheats | Cooling, oil | Oil level; debris around cooling fins/blower housing |
| Idles poorly | Ignition, air intake | Spark plug condition; air filter cleanliness |
| Hesitates at high RPM | Ignition | Spark plug gap |
Maintenance points that matter on this tractor
- Check engine oil level before each use and add oil as needed.
- Keep grass clippings and debris cleared from cooling fins and blower housing.
- Replace or clean the air cleaner element when dirty.
- Inspect and service safety devices regularly (interlocks, guards, shields).
Why it matters
Most “engine problems” on riding mowers come from basic systems: restricted airflow (dirty filter or clogged cooling fins), ignition wear (spark plug), or low oil. Staying on top of these items improves starting, power, and engine life.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 247270381, the tractor uses a low-emission gasoline engine; the exact engine make, model, and horsepower are listed in the engine documentation that comes with the tractor. We recommend matching engine parts and service specs using the 247270381 operator’s manual.
How to identify the exact engine on your 247270381
Use these quick checks so you get the right tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, oil filter) and the correct oil type.
- Open the hood and look for the engine ID label on the blower housing or valve cover
- Record the engine brand (commonly Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or similar on this tractor class)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Use the engine label to select the correct spark plug gap, oil capacity, and filter part numbers
- Confirm the tractor model and serial number in the 247270381 operator’s manual
What we can confirm from the manual
The operator’s manual for this tractor family calls out how the engine is designed and how to service it.
| Item | What to expect on this model family | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | Gasoline (use an approved fuel container; fill to bottom of tank neck) | Operator’s manual fuel section |
| Engine design | Low-emission engine (operates differently than older engines) | Operator’s manual intro |
| Oil checks | Check oil level before each use; follow the engine operator’s manual | Oil section in manual |
Why it matters
Engine identification prevents wrong-part returns and avoids common no-start and poor-running issues caused by incorrect spark plugs, filters, or oil viscosity. It also ensures you follow the correct maintenance intervals for your specific engine.
Related DIY help
If your tractor is acting like an engine issue (clicks, spins, or will not start), use riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video to narrow down whether the problem is fuel, spark, or safety interlocks.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 247270381. In the operator’s manual, this tractor series is shown as 247.27038* (the last digit can vary by version), so your exact ID is confirmed on the tractor’s model and serial tag and in the 247270381 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We use the model and serial tag on the tractor to match the correct Craftsman parts list, belts, and safety interlock components.
- Look for a model and serial number label under the seat, on the frame, or near the rear fender area
- Write down model number and serial number exactly as printed
- Match the format in the manual: 247.27038* indicates a family of related models
- Use the full model number when ordering common wear items like a ground drive belt or blade drive belt
- If the label is dirty or faded, clean it gently so all digits are readable
Model number formats you may see
The same mower can be shown with slightly different formatting depending on the label or documentation.
| Where you see it | Example format | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor ID tag | 247270381 | Exact model on this page |
| Operator’s manual | 247.27038* | Model family; last digit varies |
| Listings online | “42-inch Craftsman riding mower” | Deck size description, not a model number |
Why it matters
The deck size (42-inch) helps describe the mower, but the model number is what ensures the right parts fit, especially for items like the drive system, mower deck belt routing, and interlock switch circuits.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman riding mower and lawn tractor engines are typically supplied by major engine manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki; the exact engine maker depends on the specific Craftsman model and engine family installed on your tractor (including model 247270381).
How to identify the engine manufacturer on model 247270381
Use the engine identification label on the engine itself, then confirm the details in the 247270381 operator’s manual.
- Look for the engine brand badge on the blower housing (top of the engine)
- Find the engine model, type, and code on the engine label (often near the valve cover or starter)
- Match that engine information to the correct engine operator’s manual
- Use the tractor model and serial number when ordering parts or scheduling service
- If your tractor has Smart Lawn features, the app may prompt for model and serial number during setup
What you can expect by engine brand
Different suppliers use different tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, oil filter) and service specs. That is why we always identify the engine first.
| Engine supplier | Common on Craftsman tractors | What usually differs most |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Very common | Carburetor parts, ignition parts, filters |
| Kohler | Common | Fuel system parts, charging system parts |
| Kawasaki | Common on some higher-end models | Air filter style, carburetor parts |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (247270381) helps us find chassis and deck parts, but the engine manufacturer determines the correct maintenance parts and procedures. The operator’s manual also notes that you should follow both the tractor manual and the engine operator’s manual for safe operation and maintenance.
Last updated: February 2026
