How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276904, a full engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, labor rates, and whether related parts (battery cables, belts, pulleys) also need service. Plan on a half-day repair for most shops.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price: new, rebuilt, or used engines vary widely
- Labor time: riding mower engines take longer than walk-behind engines
- Extra parts: worn belts, wiring, or fuel system parts can add cost
- Diagnosis time: confirming the engine is truly failed (not a starting circuit issue)
- Pickup/delivery: some shops charge transport fees
Typical cost breakdown (installed)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $200 to $1,400 | Biggest variable; depends on horsepower and brand compatibility |
| Labor | $60 to $400 | Often 3 to 6 hours total shop time |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $0 to $200 | Belts, fuel filter, clamps, oil, spark plug |
Before you replace the engine, rule out common “no start” causes
The 917276904 manual troubleshooting chart lists several issues that can mimic a bad engine, such as a weak battery, corroded terminals, blown fuse, loose wiring, a faulty ignition switch, or a faulty solenoid/starter. Checking these first can save a large repair bill.
- Verify the brake pedal is fully depressed and the PTO is disengaged
- Check battery condition and clean/tighten terminals
- Inspect wiring for looseness or damage
- If you hear a click but no crank, test the starter circuit and solenoid
- If it cranks but will not start, check fuel quality and the air filter
Helpful references:
Parts that are commonly involved in starting problems
If the engine will not crank or only clicks, these model-related parts are often part of the fix:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- Battery cables and connections (clean and tight)
- Ignition switch and safety interlock circuits
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Spending a little time confirming the battery, solenoid, wiring, and safety circuits can turn an “engine replacement” quote into a much smaller repair.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
For Craftsman lawn tractors, the engine brand depends on the specific tractor model and production run. On Craftsman model 917276904, the tractor is equipped with a 26.0 HP engine; you can confirm the engine manufacturer and full engine model from the ID labels and specifications listed in the 917276904 owner's manual.
How to confirm the engine brand on model 917276904
Use the engine’s identification labels first; they are the most reliable way to match tune-up and repair parts.
- Look on the engine shroud for the emissions label (it lists the manufacturer)
- Find the engine model and spec/type code on the ID tag or decal
- Record the full model and spec numbers exactly as shown
- Compare those numbers to the engine information section in the manual
- Use the engine model and spec to select the correct air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter
Engine brands Craftsman commonly uses
Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, these are the most common engine suppliers you will see.
| Engine brand | Common identifiers on the engine | Typical where used |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model, type, code numbers | Many Craftsman tractors and mowers |
| Kohler | Courage/Command/7000-series markings | Many mid to higher horsepower tractors |
| Kawasaki | FR/FS series model codes | Select premium models |
Why it matters when ordering parts
The tractor model number 917276904 identifies the chassis, wiring, and mower deck; many maintenance parts are engine-specific. Matching the engine model and spec prevents wrong-part returns and fixes issues like hard starting, surging, and poor power.
Tractor parts that affect starting and blade engagement
If the engine brand is confirmed but the tractor still will not crank or the blades will not engage, these model-specific parts are common checks:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (starter circuit switching)
- Switch.pto 582107601 (PTO engagement signal)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (key and ignition switch operation)
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A Craftsman “6.75” walk-behind mower and a Craftsman riding lawn tractor use different model-number systems. For the Craftsman riding lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 917276904; you can confirm it on the ID label and in the 917276904 owner's manual.
How to find the correct model number on your mower
We recommend using the product ID label, not the engine cover decal, because “6.75” is typically an engine rating, not the mower’s model.
- Check the ID label under the seat (riding tractor) or on the rear deck near the wheels (walk-behind mower)
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (all digits)
- Also note the product number and serial number if listed
- Match the model number to the parts list before ordering blades, belts, or ignition parts
Quick ID guide: walk-behind vs riding tractor
| What you have | Typical clue | What to use for parts lookup |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-behind mower | “6.75” shown on engine shroud | Mower model number from the deck label |
| Riding lawn tractor | Steering wheel, seat, mower deck under chassis | 917276904 (this model page) |
Why “6.75” is not the model number
“6.75” usually refers to an engine power class. Craftsman used that same engine rating across multiple mower models, so it does not uniquely identify the correct blade, drive belt, or air filter.
If you are troubleshooting starting issues on this tractor
If your Craftsman 917276904 clicks but will not crank, the starting circuit commonly involves the battery connections, safety interlocks, and the starter solenoid. The lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 is one of the model-matched parts used in that circuit.
- Verify battery terminals are clean and tight
- Make sure PTO is off and brake is fully engaged
- Check the fuse and wiring connections
- Inspect the solenoid connections for corrosion or looseness
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong parts and saves time during repairs and maintenance.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is a Craftsman 917276904 riding mower?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917276904 does not have a single “model year” like a car; the exact year is tied to the original purchase date and the product identification information on the tractor. We use the model and serial information in the 917276904 owner's manual to match the correct parts and specifications.
How to find the exact year for your 917276904
Check these common ID locations on Craftsman lawn tractors:
- Under the seat on the fender pan (lift the seat and look for a sticker or metal tag)
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the rear hitch plate area
- Under the hood near the dash tower
- In your original sales receipt or service paperwork
What information to write down (so you can date it accurately)
Record these items exactly as shown:
- Model number: 917276904
- Serial number (most important for dating)
- Engine model and type code (from the engine label)
- Any product number or manufacturing code on the ID tag
Quick ID checklist
| Item | Where you’ll see it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Tractor ID tag | Confirms the correct parts list |
| Serial number | Tractor ID tag | Identifies build run and approximate production period |
| Engine codes | Engine shroud/valve cover label | Helps confirm timeframe and correct tune-up parts |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors with similar names can share decals and deck sizes, but use different wiring, PTO switch styles, belts, and mandrel assemblies across production runs. Using the ID tag details helps us keep you from ordering the wrong parts (for example, a PTO switch or deck component).
Parts that commonly vary by production run
If you are troubleshooting or replacing parts, these are often the ones that change across runs:
- PTO switch (example: switch.pto 582107601)
- Starter solenoid (example: lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802)
- Deck mandrel assembly (example: lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701)
- Ground drive idler pulley
- Ignition harness
Last updated: February 2026





