What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272351 uses a 15.5 HP engine (low-emission design) as shown in the 917272351 owner's manual. This model is a front-engine tractor with electric start and a 42-inch mower deck.
How to confirm the exact engine on your tractor
Even within the same tractor model, the most reliable way to confirm the exact engine make and model is to match the engine ID information on your machine.
- Look for the engine model/type/code label on the engine shroud or valve cover area
- Compare that label to the engine information listed in the 917272351 owner's manual
- Record the full engine model number before ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter)
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean and take a photo for reference
- Use the tractor model number 917272351 when looking up tractor-side parts (belts, blades, mandrels)
Common engine-related symptoms and what they usually point to
If you are asking because the tractor will not start or runs poorly, these checks narrow it down fast.
| Symptom | Most common cause | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks but will not crank | Weak battery or bad connections | Battery terminals and ground cable |
| Cranks but will not start | Fuel or ignition issue | Fresh fuel, spark plug condition |
| Starts then dies when brake released | Safety interlock issue | Brake/clutch switch operation |
| Runs but cuts poorly | Deck or blade issue (not engine power) | Blade condition and deck level |
For step-by-step no-start diagnosis, use riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
Why it matters
The engine model determines the correct maintenance parts and settings (spark plug, air filter, oil type, governor and idle adjustments). The tractor model number 917272351 determines chassis and deck parts such as blades, belts, and mandrel components.
Last updated: January 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
To look up your Craftsman model number for parts and manuals, find the model and serial tag on your tractor and match the model number exactly (for this tractor, it’s 917272351). Then use that full model number to pull the correct diagrams, parts list, and 917272351 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman riding mower
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the model/serial tag is on the frame under the seat area.
Check these common locations:
- On the frame under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the chassis)
- Under the seat pan or on the underside of the seat
- On the rear fender pan near the seat mounting area
- On the frame rail near the battery tray (varies by build)
How to use the model number to look up parts
Once you have the model number, use it exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown on the tag). For model 917272351, that ensures you get the right mower deck, transaxle, and steering parts.
Use this quick process:
- Write down the full model number and serial number
- Confirm the product type (lawn tractor) and deck size listed on the tractor
- Open the parts diagrams for the model and identify the section you need (mower deck, wheels and tires, steering, drive)
- Match the part name and part ID before ordering
Example: parts you might look up by model
These are common wear items customers search for on model 917272351:
| Part type | What it affects | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Mower blade | Cut quality, mulching/bagging | Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 |
| Ground drive belt | Tractor movement | V-belt 532138255 |
| Ignition key | Starting and security | Molded ignition key 532140403 |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors often look similar across years, but small differences in deck linkage, belt routing, and mandrel hardware can change which parts fit. Using the exact model number (like 917272351) prevents wrong-part returns and helps you follow the correct maintenance and adjustment procedures.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917272351 typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, whether you reuse pulleys and wiring, and local labor rates. Plan on roughly 6 hours of labor for a full riding mower engine swap.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price (new vs. rebuilt, horsepower, shaft size, charging system)
- Labor time (engine removal, transfer parts, alignment, test run)
- Extra parts often needed (belts, hardware, fuel line, battery)
- Shop fees (pickup/delivery, disposal, diagnostics)
- Condition of related systems (starter circuit, PTO clutch, transaxle)
Typical cost breakdown
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,500 | Most of the total cost is here |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | About 6 hours is common for riding mowers |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $20 to $200 | Belts, clamps, oil, filter, hardware |
Before you replace the engine, rule out common “no start” causes
Many “dead engine” symptoms are actually battery, safety switch, or belt issues. We recommend checking these first:
- Battery charge and cable connections
- Operator presence and interlock system operation (seat switch, brake switch, PTO switch)
- Starter solenoid and wiring condition
- Fuel quality and air filter condition
- Deck and drive load issues (a seized deck component can make starting harder)
For model-specific operating and safety interlock checks, use the 917272351 owner’s manual.
Parts that are often replaced at the same time
If the tractor has high hours or you are already paying labor, these are common add-ons:
- Ground drive belt (if worn or glazed): v-belt 532138255
- Mower blades (if bent or dull)
- Battery (if it will not hold a charge)
Why it matters
A correct engine replacement is not just bolting in a motor; it requires matching shaft dimensions, transferring pulleys and linkages correctly, and confirming the safety interlock system shuts the engine off when it should. That protects the tractor and helps prevent repeat failures.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917272351 engine?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272351 uses a Briggs & Stratton engine model 282H07 with type number 0231-E1. This engine identification is listed in the engine breakdown section of the 917272351 owner's manual.
What to use when identifying the engine
We use the engine’s model and type numbers (not the tractor model number) to match engine-specific parts like carburetor components, starter parts, and gaskets.
- Tractor model number: 917272351 (identifies the tractor)
- Engine model number: 282H07 (identifies the engine family)
- Engine type number: 0231-E1 (identifies the exact build)
- Record both numbers before ordering parts
Where to find the engine ID tag
Check the engine identification label on the engine itself. Common locations include:
- Blower housing (recoil starter shroud area)
- Near the valve cover
- Near the muffler heat shield
- On the engine block above the starter
- Near the air cleaner housing
Quick reference table
| ID you see | What it identifies | Example for this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | Chassis, deck, drive system | 917272351 |
| Engine model number | Engine family | 282H07 |
| Engine type number | Exact engine configuration | 0231-E1 |
Why it matters
Briggs & Stratton often builds multiple versions of the same engine family; the type number is what prevents ordering the wrong carburetor, ignition, or starter parts.
Last updated: January 2026





