Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272480, a full engine replacement typically costs $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The biggest cost drivers are the exact engine type, whether the wiring and pulleys swap over cleanly, and local labor rates; see the 917272480 owner's manual for engine and service details.
Typical cost breakdown (parts + labor)
- Engine assembly: $500 to $1,800 (varies by horsepower, crankshaft size, and emissions family)
- Labor: 4 to 8 hours for most riding mowers
- Shop supplies and incidentals: $25 to $100 (fuel line clamps, hardware, oil, filter)
- Optional add-ons: battery, belts, or pulleys if worn
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (new) | $500 to $1,800 | Most of the total cost is here |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Depends on access, rust, and wiring condition |
| Total installed | $800 to $2,500 | Common real-world range |
What can increase the price on model 917272480
- Crankshaft diameter or length mismatch requiring a different pulley
- Damaged wiring harness or ignition wiring (a common time add)
- Seized or worn deck components discovered during teardown
- Drive belt wear that is easier to address while the engine is out
- Extra time for cleaning and cooling shroud service to prevent overheating
Parts often checked during an engine swap
Even when you are replacing the engine, we recommend inspecting wear items that affect cut quality and load on the new engine:
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
- Blade condition and correct installation torque (blade bolts are typically tightened to a specified torque)
- Mandrel and pulley condition if you have vibration or noise
Why it matters
A correctly matched engine and properly serviced drive and deck components help the tractor start reliably, maintain blade speed under load, and avoid overheating damage during mowing.
Last updated: January 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917272480?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272480 is identified by its model number, not a build year. The year is determined from the tractor’s product identification (serial) number/date code label, then confirmed against the model’s documentation in the 917272480 owner's manual.
How to find the year on your 917272480
Use this quick process to decode the build date from the tractor label (not the model number).
- Locate the product identification label (commonly under the seat, on the frame near the rear wheels, or under the hood area).
- Write down the serial number and any date code printed on that label.
- If the label shows a 6-digit date code, it is commonly formatted as MMDDYY.
- Convert the last two digits to the year (for example, 11 = 2011).
- Cross-check the model and parts diagrams in the 917272480 owner's manual to ensure you are working with the correct tractor.
Common date-code formats you may see
These are the most common formats customers run into on riding mowers and lawn tractors.
| What you see on the label | Typical meaning | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits (MMDDYY) | Month, day, year | 072811 = July 28, 2011 |
| 4 digits (YYWW) | Year, week of year | 1128 = week 28 of 2011 |
| Full date printed | Already the build date | 2011-07-28 |
Why it matters
The build year helps us match the correct wiring harness, ignition key, deck parts, and other running changes that can occur within the same model family. It is especially important when ordering electrical parts like the molded ignition key 532140403 or drive components.
If the label is missing or unreadable
- Check for a second label on the frame rail or fender pan.
- Look for stamped numbers on the frame near the rear axle area.
- Compare your deck and steering parts to the diagrams in the 917272480 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272480 is an 18.0 HP front-engine tractor with a 42-inch mower deck and a low-emission engine. Craftsman used more than one engine supplier on tractors in this series; the exact engine make and model is identified on the engine ID label and in the 917272480 owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on model 917272480
Use the engine ID label so you get the correct tune-up specs and engine parts.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Record the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Use those numbers when buying engine-specific items (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter)
- If the label is dirty, wipe it with a rag and mild cleaner; avoid scraping
- Keep the numbers with your tractor records for future maintenance
What the tractor manual tells you (and what it does not)
The tractor manual covers operation, maintenance, and adjustments for the tractor and deck; the engine brand and full engine model are confirmed by the engine label.
| Item | What you can use it for |
|---|---|
| Tractor model: 917272480 | Chassis, deck, and control layout reference |
| 18.0 HP rating | General power class for maintenance planning |
| Low-emission engine note | Operating differences and care reminders |
| Engine ID label | Exact engine make/model and engine service parts |
Related deck parts that affect “engine performance” complaints
If the engine seems to bog down while mowing, the deck load is often the cause.
- Sharpen or replace blades; dull blades increase load and reduce cut quality
- Clean packed grass from under the deck to restore airflow
- Check for a slipping or worn deck belt
- Inspect mandrels and idlers for binding
A common 42-inch deck blade option listed for this tractor is the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149.
Why it matters
The tractor model number identifies the mower platform, but the engine ID label identifies the exact engine configuration. That is what ensures correct oil type, tune-up specs, and engine-part compatibility.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917272480 engine?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272480 uses a Kohler engine model CV492 with type number 27506. You will use CV492-27506 when looking up Kohler engine-specific parts; use 917272480 for tractor parts like the deck, steering, and chassis (see the 917272480 owner's manual).
What to record from the engine ID tag
We recommend copying the full engine identification exactly as shown on the engine label before ordering parts.
- Engine model: CV492
- Engine type number: 27506
- Spec code (if listed)
- Serial number (if listed)
- Tractor model number: 917272480
Where to find the engine identification
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the engine ID label is on the engine itself.
- Blower housing or fan shroud area
- Near the starter motor
- Side of the engine block near the muffler
- Valve cover area
Quick reference: which number to use
| What you are repairing | Number to use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor systems (mower deck, belts, steering, wiring) | Tractor model number | 917272480 |
| Engine-only parts (starter, ignition, carburetion, internal parts) | Engine model and type | CV492-27506 |
Why it matters
Kohler builds multiple versions within the same engine family. Matching the full ID CV492-27506 helps ensure correct fit for engine parts like starter components, ignition parts, and gaskets.
Last updated: January 2026
