Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273330 is worth it when the tractor’s deck, steering, and transaxle are solid and the total repair cost stays well below the price of a comparable new rider. If the machine has widespread wear or multiple major failures, replacement is the better value.
Quick decision checklist
- The mower deck is not cracked, badly rusted through, or bent
- The blade and spindle areas are in good shape (no repeated loosening or heavy vibration)
- Safety interlocks work correctly and have not been bypassed
- The tractor has been maintained (oil changes, clean cooling fins, clean air filter)
- You are not also facing a major drivetrain cost (for example, a failing transaxle)
Cost and condition guide
Use this as a practical way to decide.
| What you see on the tractor | What it usually means | Best move |
|---|---|---|
| Deck and chassis are solid; engine is the main issue | Good candidate for an engine swap | Replace engine |
| Engine issue plus heavy vibration, bent blades, or loose hardware | Deck and rotating parts may also need work | Inspect deck and blades first |
| Hard starting after storage; old fuel suspected | Often a fuel and maintenance problem | Service before replacing engine |
| Drive problems plus engine problems | Multiple expensive systems involved | Consider replacing tractor |
Before you commit: rule out common “engine is bad” causes
The 247273330 manual emphasizes storage fuel quality and routine checks that directly affect starting and running.
- Drain old fuel and refill with fresh gasoline (stale fuel causes hard starting)
- Check oil level and correct oil type before running
- Clean debris from cooling fins and blower housing to prevent overheating
- Clean or replace the air cleaner element
- Inspect blades for damage and keep blade and engine mounting bolts tight
For model-specific maintenance intervals and safety steps, use the 247273330 owner’s manual.
Why it matters
An engine swap can restore reliability, but only if the rest of the tractor is safe and structurally sound. The manual also warns against using non-OEM-spec parts because performance and safety can be compromised, especially around blades and fasteners.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems we see on the Craftsman 247273330 lawn tractor include no-start or hard-start conditions, rough running (often from spark plug or air filter issues), excessive vibration from damaged blades, and poor cut quality from an unlevel deck or uneven tire pressure. Use the 247273330 owner's manual troubleshooting chart to match symptoms to the right fix.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Engine hesitates at high RPMs: spark plug gap set too close
- Engine idles poorly: fouled spark plug, dirty air cleaner
- Excessive vibration: loose/unbalanced blades, bent or damaged blade
- Won’t mulch well: throttle not in FAST, wet or tall grass, dull blade
- Uneven cut: deck not leveled, dull blade, uneven tire pressure
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, low-cost)
- Set throttle to FAST when mowing and mulching.
- Check engine oil level before each use (low oil can cause poor running and engine damage).
- Inspect the air cleaner; clean or replace if dirty.
- Pull and inspect the spark plug; clean/replace and set the correct gap.
- Check tire pressure on all four tires; correct any mismatch.
- Inspect blades for bends, cracks, or heavy wear; tighten mounting hardware.
Blade and cut-quality fixes (common on riding mowers)
If your cut looks ragged, the mower vibrates, or mulching performance drops, blade condition and deck setup are the first places to look.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration | Blade bent or unbalanced | Replace blade, verify tight mounting |
| Poor mulching | Dull blade or grass too tall/wet | Sharpen/replace blade, mow in two passes |
| Uneven cut | Deck out of level or tire pressure uneven | Level deck, set tire pressures evenly |
For a 46-inch deck setup, replacing worn blades is a common maintenance step; the Craftsman lawn tractor 46-in deck premium 2-in-1 blade 942-04290a is one of the blades listed for this model.
Why it matters
These issues are more than convenience problems. A dirty air filter or fouled spark plug can make the engine run poorly and waste fuel, and a damaged blade can cause strong vibration that accelerates wear on spindles, pulleys, and deck hardware.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273330 uses a low-emission gasoline engine (the exact engine make and model are listed in the separate engine operator’s manual). For the correct engine details, we match by your tractor’s model and serial number in the 247273330 operator’s manual.
How to identify the exact engine on model 247273330
The tractor model number tells us the equipment family, but the engine model is typically shown on the engine itself and in the engine paperwork.
- Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine model, type, and code (common on Briggs & Stratton engines)
- Use your tractor’s serial number along with model 247273330 when ordering parts
- Check the engine operator’s manual that came with the mower (it is referenced by the tractor manual)
- If your mower has Smart Lawn features, the app can also prompt for model and serial during setup
What we can say from the manual (and what varies)
The operator’s manual for model 247273330 confirms it is equipped with a low-emission engine and instructs you to follow both the tractor manual and the engine manual for oil checks, fueling, and operation.
| Item | What’s consistent for 247273330 | What can vary by build/engine |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Octane recommendation (engine-specific) |
| Emissions design | Low-emission engine | Engine brand and displacement |
| Maintenance reference | Engine operator’s manual | Oil type/quantity, spark plug spec |
Why it matters
Engine brand and model determine the correct oil type, spark plug, air filter, and tune-up parts. Using the wrong spec can cause hard starting, poor performance, or premature wear.
Related maintenance tip
For routine upkeep that applies to most riding mowers, follow the steps in how to tune up a riding lawn mower video.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman riding mower like model 247273330, you’ll typically find the model number and serial number on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat itself. Use that exact model number when ordering parts and when referencing the 247273330 operator’s manual.
Where to look on model 247273330
Check these common ID-label locations first:
- Frame rail directly under the seat pan
- Underside of the seat (flip the seat forward)
- Rear fender area near the seat mounting points
- Under the hood near the chassis (less common)
- Near the footrest area on the frame (occasionally)
How to read the number correctly
Model numbers can be easy to misread, especially if the label is dirty or faded.
- Write down the full model number exactly as printed (for example, 247273330)
- Record the serial number too; it helps match the correct version of parts
- Clean the label gently with a damp rag so all digits are visible
- Avoid using only partial numbers (like “247.27333”); use the full number on the tag
Why it matters when buying parts
The operator’s manual for this tractor family covers multiple models, and features can vary by model. Using the exact model number helps ensure you get the correct belt, blade, switch, or hardware for your specific build.
| What you’re doing | What to use | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering replacement parts | Model number + serial number | Matches the correct diagrams and part variations |
| Using the Smart Lawn App | Model number + serial number | The app prompts for both to connect and track maintenance |
| Troubleshooting | Model number | Ensures the right procedures and specs |
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding mower like model 247273330 typically costs about $800 to $2,500+ total (engine plus labor), depending on horsepower, crankshaft style, and whether you do the swap yourself. In many cases, a tune-up or fuel/ignition repair restores performance for far less.
What drives the total cost?
Engine replacement pricing varies because the engine must match the mower’s mounting pattern, crankshaft dimensions, and electrical connections.
- Engine price: commonly $500 to $1,800+ for a new replacement engine
- Labor: commonly $300 to $900+ (more if wiring, exhaust, or PTO setup is complex)
- Extra parts and supplies: oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware, belts, and blades as needed
- Root cause: overheating, low oil, or restricted cooling airflow can damage an engine and can also damage a new one if not corrected
- DIY vs. shop: DIY saves labor but requires safe lifting, wiring confidence, and correct setup
Quick cost comparison
| Option | Typical total cost | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Tune-up and basic repairs | $50 to $300 | Hard starting, rough idle, poor power |
| Major repair (carb/fuel/ignition) | $150 to $600 | Engine spins but won’t start, runs poorly |
| Full engine replacement | $800 to $2,500+ | Low compression, thrown rod, severe smoke/knock |
Before you replace the engine (save money first)
We recommend checking these common issues because they often mimic “bad engine” symptoms:
- Fuel quality and venting: drain old fuel and refill with fresh gasoline; clear a blocked vented cap
- Oil level: check oil before each use; low oil can cause overheating and permanent damage (see 247273330 owner’s manual)
- Airflow: clean grass and debris from cooling fins and blower housing
- Air filter and spark plug: dirty filter or fouled plug causes poor idle and hesitation
- Vibration and cutting load: a bent or dull blade can overload the engine; replace if needed (example: Craftsman lawn tractor 46-in deck premium 2-in-1 blade 942-04290a)
Why it matters
A correct diagnosis protects your budget and your mower. The manual’s maintenance guidance (oil checks, clean cooling fins, fresh fuel) helps prevent overheating and extends engine life, whether you repair or replace.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers depending on the tractor and production run. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273330, the correct way to identify the engine brand is to read the engine identification label and match it to the engine operator’s manual referenced in the 247273330 operator’s manual.
How to identify the engine brand on model 247273330
Use the engine’s ID tag, not the tractor hood decal, to determine the engine manufacturer and to order engine-specific parts.
- Lift the hood and find the engine ID label (commonly on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine manufacturer name shown on the label
- Record the engine model, type, and code (or serial) numbers
- Match those numbers to the engine manual listed in the 247273330 operator’s manual
- Use the engine numbers when selecting tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, oil filter)
What varies across Craftsman tractors
Craftsman is the equipment brand; the engine supplier can change by model and year.
| Item you’re identifying | Where you find it | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model 247273330 | Frame tag under seat or on frame rail | Deck, belts, steering, electrical, chassis parts |
| Engine brand and engine model | Engine ID label under hood | Engine tune-up parts and engine service parts |
| Engine serial/code | Engine ID label | Exact match for carburetor and ignition components |
Why it matters
Engine parts fit by engine model and code, not just by the Craftsman tractor model number. Confirming the engine label prevents wrong-part returns and helps troubleshoot no-start, stalling, and poor power.
Last updated: February 2026





