Craftsman 917273502 lawn tractor Parts

The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273502 uses a 16.5 HP engine (a low-emission design) as shown in the 917273502 owner's manual.

How to confirm the exact engine make and model on your tractor

Even within the same tractor model, the engine brand and model are best confirmed from the engine ID label on the engine itself.

• Lift the hood and look for the engine identification label (often on the blower housing or valve cover)
• Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
• Match that information to the engine parts list you are using
• Use the tractor model number 917273502 when ordering chassis, deck, and drive parts
• If the label is dirty, wipe it clean so the numbers are readable

What we know for model 917273502 (from the manual)

The owner’s manual identifies this tractor as a 16.5 HP, 42-inch mower with electric start and automatic transmission.

Item	What to use	Where to verify
Tractor model	917273502	Tractor frame tag and 917273502 owner's manual
Engine rating	16.5 HP	917273502 owner's manual and engine ID label
Mower deck size	42-inch	917273502 owner's manual

Why it matters

The tractor model number helps you get the correct Craftsman deck, steering, and ground drive parts; the engine ID label is what ensures you get the correct tune-up and engine-specific parts (filters, plugs, carburetor items).

If you are replacing a common wear item tied to the tractor’s drivetrain, the lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 is one of the model-matched parts listed for 917273502.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273502, the engine system is made up of fuel, air, ignition, and lubrication components that work together to start, run smoothly, and deliver power to the drive system and mower deck. For model-specific locations and service steps, use the 917273502 owner's manual.

Core engine components (what they do)

Most front-engine lawn tractor engines use these main parts:

• Fuel tank and fuel line: stores and delivers gasoline to the carburetor
• Fuel filter: traps debris; a dirty filter can cause loss of power
• Carburetor: mixes fuel and air for combustion
• Air filter: keeps dirt out of the engine; a clogged filter reduces power
• Ignition system: spark plug and ignition coil create spark to ignite the fuel-air mix
• Starter system: starter motor or recoil mechanism (varies by engine) to crank the engine
• Flywheel: helps maintain steady engine speed and supports ignition timing
• Crankcase and oil: lubricates internal parts; low or dirty oil can cause poor performance
• Muffler: reduces exhaust noise; a clogged muffler can reduce power

Quick symptom-to-part guide

These are common engine-related symptoms and the parts we check first:

Symptom	Most common engine parts involved	What to do first
Loss of power	Air filter, fuel filter, spark plug, muffler, oil	Clean/replace the air filter; replace the fuel filter; check oil level
Hard starting	Spark plug, fuel delivery, air filter	Check spark plug connection; use fresh fuel; inspect air filter
Runs rough or surges	Carburetor, fuel quality, air filter	Drain stale fuel; clean air filter; inspect carburetor

Why it matters on a lawn tractor

On a riding mower, engine performance affects more than cutting; it also impacts drive response and how well the mower holds RPM under load. The manual troubleshooting chart for this model calls out items like dirty air filter, stale fuel, faulty spark plug, and dirty/clogged muffler as frequent causes of power problems.

Related deck parts that can feel like an “engine problem”

If the engine sounds fine but cutting performance is poor, the issue is often in the deck drive and blade system:

• Dull or incorrect blades (use blades listed for the tractor deck)
• Worn belt or slipping belt routing
• Mandrel drag or seized bearings

For blade and deck service, common replacement items for this model include the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 and the husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273502, a full engine replacement typically costs $600 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The biggest cost drivers are engine brand/horsepower, whether the crankshaft matches your pulleys, and how much related hardware (belts, pulleys) needs attention during the swap.

What makes the price go up or down

• Engine cost: Most replacement riding mower engines land around $400 to $1,800 depending on specs.
• Labor time: A riding mower engine swap commonly runs 4 to 8 hours.
• Parts that often get replaced at the same time: drive belt, engine pulley, wiring connectors, fuel line, and mounting hardware.
• Deck and PTO condition: Worn blades or a noisy mandrel can add time and parts.
• Shop minimums and pickup/delivery: These can add a meaningful fixed cost.

Quick cost breakdown (typical ranges)

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
Replacement engine	$400 to $1,800	Must match crankshaft size and rotation
Labor	$200 to $700	Based on 4 to 8 hours and local rates
“While you’re in there” parts	$0 to $250	Belts, pulleys, hardware, tune-up items
Total installed	$600 to $2,500	Most common real-world range

Smart checks before you buy an engine

Use the specs and diagrams in the 917273502 owner's manual to confirm fit and avoid repeat labor.

• Verify crankshaft diameter/length and keyway style (this affects pulley fit).
• Inspect the engine pulley for wobble or groove wear; replace if damaged.
• Check the ground drive belt routing and condition; a worn belt can mimic power loss.
• Confirm safety interlocks are working; the manual notes the engine should only start with the brake depressed and the attachment clutch disengaged.
• If you are also chasing poor cutting, check blades and mandrels; the manual calls for tightening blade bolts to 27 to 35 ft-lb.

Parts on this model page that commonly relate to engine-swap symptoms

Even with a new engine, worn drive components can still cause slipping or poor performance.

• Ground drive belt 532140294
• Engine pulley 532175410

Why it matters

An engine replacement is only “worth it” when the drivetrain and deck are in good shape. If the belt is slipping or the pulley is worn, you can spend engine money and still end up with weak drive or inconsistent mowing.

If you decide to move forward, we recommend ordering model-matched parts from the parts list for 917273502, or searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273502, the engine is supplied by an outside engine manufacturer (Craftsman-branded tractors commonly use engines from Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki, depending on the specific tractor and engine family). For the exact engine identification for your unit, we use the engine model and type numbers shown in the 917273502 owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine maker on your tractor

Use these quick checks on your 917273502:

• Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
• Write down the engine model, type, and code/spec numbers (not the tractor model)
• Match those numbers to the engine section in the 917273502 owner's manual
• If the label is dirty, wipe it gently; the numbers are often faint
• Use the engine numbers when ordering tune-up parts (filters, plugs) to avoid mismatches

Common engine-maker clues (what the label usually looks like)

These patterns help you recognize the manufacturer once you find the tag.

What you see on the engine label	Usually indicates	Why it helps
Model and Type plus a long Code	Briggs & Stratton	Briggs commonly uses model/type/code formatting
Model plus Spec number	Kohler	Kohler frequently uses “spec” to define the exact build
Model plus Spec and serial formatting typical of small engines	Kawasaki	Kawasaki tags often emphasize model/spec and serial

Why it matters when you are buying parts

The tractor model (917273502) identifies the chassis and mower deck parts, but engine service parts (air filter, oil filter, spark plug, carburetor parts) must match the engine’s model and spec. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong maintenance parts.

If you are ordering mower deck parts for this 42-inch setup, we list compatible blades such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 and the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 on this model’s parts list, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273502 is worth it when the tractor’s deck, transmission, steering, and frame are still solid and you want more years of reliable mowing; if multiple major systems are worn, putting that money toward a different tractor is the better value.

Quick decision checklist

• The mower deck is straight (no major rust-through or cracks) and still cuts evenly after leveling
• The transmission drives smoothly and does not slip after warm-up
• Steering and front end are tight (no severe play in tie rods, rims, or bearings)
• You can still get common wear parts (blades, belts, mandrel parts) for this model
• The engine failure is the main problem, not one of several expensive issues

Cost and value guide (simple rule)

Use this table to decide quickly.

If your situation looks like this	Engine replacement usually makes sense	A different tractor usually makes more sense
Deck and chassis condition	Solid deck and frame	Deck/chassis damage plus other wear
Other repairs needed soon	Minor (belts, blades, tune-up)	Multiple big-ticket repairs stacking up
Your goal	Keep the same tractor you know	Upgrade features or reduce repair time
DIY comfort	Comfortable with mechanical work	Prefer minimal downtime and fewer projects

Why the deck and drive system matter most

On model 917273502, the engine is only one part of the overall system. If the deck drive and mandrel area are worn, you can end up chasing cut-quality problems even after an engine swap. The troubleshooting chart in the 917273502 owner's manual highlights common cut issues tied to blades, deck leveling, belt wear, and mandrel problems.

Parts that often get replaced around the same time

If you replace an engine, we recommend inspecting these common wear items so you do not reinstall worn parts onto a refreshed tractor:

• Blades (for cut quality): lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 or husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
• Ground drive belt (for traction and speed consistency): lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
• Mandrel components (for vibration and blade engagement): husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794

Why it matters

A new engine can restore starting, power, and reliability, but it will not fix poor cut, vibration, or blade-rotation problems caused by worn blades, a stretched belt, or mandrel wear. Addressing those items at the same time prevents repeat teardown and protects your investment.

Last updated: February 2026