How much does it cost to replace a riding mower engine?
For the Craftsman 917273061 front-engine lawn tractor, a full engine replacement typically costs about $800 to $2,500+ total (engine plus labor). The final price depends on whether you install a direct-fit engine, reuse existing parts (like the fuel tank and wiring), and whether a shop does the work.
These ranges cover most garden tractor engine swaps.
- Engine (new): $500 to $1,800
- Labor (shop install): $300 to $900
- Pickup/delivery or trip charge (if applicable): $50 to $200
- Small parts and fluids: $25 to $150 (oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware)
| Scenario | What you pay for | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| DIY replacement | Engine + fluids + small parts | $550 to $2,000 |
| Shop replacement | Engine + labor + shop supplies | $900 to $2,700+ |
| “While we’re in there” repair | Engine + extra wear parts | $1,100 to $3,200+ |
- Engine type and fitment: Direct bolt-in replacements cost less than conversions.
- Condition of the tractor: Rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, or worn pulleys add labor.
- Extra parts needed: Throttle/choke cables, belts, battery, or electrical switches.
- Deck and clutch condition: If the mower blades do not engage or stop correctly, the manual notes the electric clutch brake can wear and may need service.
We recommend ruling out common “no start” causes first, because they are far cheaper than an engine.
- Confirm the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed and the attachment clutch is disengaged (safety interlock).
- Check battery connections and basic wiring condition.
- Inspect for fuel issues (stale fuel, cracked lines, leaking tank).
- Verify the PTO and safety switches operate correctly.
If you suspect an electrical issue, use the wiring and safety system guidance in the 917273061 owner’s manual.
An engine swap can cost more than the tractor is worth if the deck, steering, or drive system also needs major work. Pricing the engine plus likely add-ons up front helps you decide between repair, rebuild, or replacement.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on your Craftsman garden tractor model 917273061 is worth it when the tractor is otherwise in solid shape (deck, steering, transmission) and the total repair cost stays under about half the price of a comparable replacement tractor. If multiple major systems are worn out, replacement usually makes more sense.
- Overall condition: frame rust, deck rot, wiring damage, and safety interlocks
- Hours and maintenance history: regular oil changes and clean fuel system favor repair
- What failed: a carburetor or starter is very different from a thrown rod
- Parts availability: common wear parts are easy; major assemblies can add up fast
- Safety items: seat switch, brake operation, and blade stop behavior must be correct
A practical guideline is the 50% rule: if engine replacement plus any “must-do” fixes exceeds 50% of the tractor’s current value, put that money toward a replacement.
| Scenario | Typical recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Engine failed but deck and drive are strong | Replace engine | You keep a known-good chassis and controls |
| Engine failed and transmission slips | Replace tractor | Two major repairs stack costs quickly |
| Hard starting, surging, stalling | Repair engine systems first | Fuel/ignition fixes are often far cheaper |
| Blades will not engage or stop correctly | Service clutch system first | Safety and cut quality depend on it |
Your 917273061 manual emphasizes keeping hardware tight, inspecting after striking objects, and never adjusting or repairing with the engine running. It also calls out operator-presence and interlock behavior (engine should shut off if you leave the seat under certain conditions). Use the 917273061 owner’s manual to confirm these checks before investing in a major repair.
- Confirm the clutch/brake pedal and PTO disengaged start conditions
- Verify the engine shuts off when it should (seat and parking brake logic)
- Inspect the deck for damage; keep blade bolts tight (blade bolt torque is typically 27-35 ft-lbs on this style of tractor)
- Check belts, pulleys, and mandrels for wear and free rotation
An engine swap can restore years of service, but only if the tractor’s deck, drive system, and safety interlocks are dependable. Otherwise, you risk spending engine-level money and still fighting cut-quality issues, engagement problems, or shutdown faults.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” label usually refers to the engine horsepower class, not one single mower model number. The exact model number is found on the mower’s model tag; once you have it, match it to the correct parts list and the right 917273061 owner's manual style documentation for your equipment.
We use the model number (not the 6.75-hp marking) to identify the correct blade, drive belt, air filter, and other repair parts.
- Check the rear of the deck near the discharge chute
- Look under the seat (riding models) or on the frame rail
- Check near the engine mounting area on the deck
- Look for a sticker or metal tag with a 9-digit number (often starts with 917)
- Write down the full number exactly as shown
Many Craftsman walk-behind mowers were sold with 6.75-hp class engines across multiple years and deck designs. Two mowers can both say 6.75 but use different parts.
| What you have | What it tells us | What we still need |
|---|---|---|
| 6.75-hp marking on engine/shroud | Engine power class | Mower model number |
| Model tag number (example: 917.XXXXXX) | Exact mower identity | Nothing else to start parts lookup |
| Engine model (example: Kohler, Briggs) | Engine-specific parts | Still need mower model for deck/drive parts |
Once you locate the mower model number, use it to select diagrams and parts. If your issue is deck engagement or blades not turning on a tractor-style unit, common related parts include the PTO switch and deck idler components.
- For electric PTO engagement problems, check the switch.pto.3 582107601
- For deck belt tension and routing issues, inspect the idler pulley and keepers
- For uneven cut, check mandrel/spindle condition and blade hardware
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, or ignition parts, and it ensures the diagrams match your exact deck and drive system.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I get Craftsman replacement parts?
For your Craftsman garden tractor model 917273061, we recommend buying replacement parts by searching with the full model number and matching the part name and number exactly. Our parts diagrams and the 917273061 owner's manual help you confirm the correct fit before you order.
Use these sources first because they are set up for model-based lookups and exact part matching:
- Sears PartsDirect (model diagrams, part numbers, and repair part lists)
- Craftsman official parts resources (model-based ordering)
- Major retailers that stock Craftsman outdoor power equipment parts (selection varies by season)
- Specialty parts sellers for outdoor power equipment (helpful for older models)
Even within the same Craftsman tractor family, parts can vary by deck size, engine, and production run. Use this checklist to avoid ordering the wrong item:
- Confirm the model number is 917273061 (not a close match)
- Identify the system: mower deck, steering, fuel, electrical, or drive
- Compare the part name and part number from the parts list/diagram
- Check quantities and related hardware (clips, nuts, bearings)
- Review notes in the repair parts section of the manual
These are common replacement items shown for this model; match by function and location on your tractor:
| What it’s for | Example part (ID) | When you’d replace it |
|---|---|---|
| PTO engagement (mower deck on/off) | Switch.pto.3 582107601 | PTO will not engage, intermittent deck power |
| Starting/keys | Molded ignition key 532140403 | Lost key, worn key causing poor contact |
| Fuel storage | Husqvarna lawn tractor fuel tank 532151346 | Leaks, cracked tank, damaged mounting area |
Ordering by model number and diagram position prevents fit issues that can waste time during a repair. It also helps you pick up the correct related hardware (like lock nuts and ring clips) so the repair goes back together safely and stays tight.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman garden tractor model 917273061 is a 20.0 HP gas tractor with electric start (as shown on the manual cover). For the exact engine make and engine model number installed on your unit, match the numbers on the engine shroud or valve cover to the specifications in the 917273061 owner's manual.
Craftsman tractors can be built with different engine variants over a production run; the engine ID tag is the reliable way to confirm what you have.
- Look for an engine model/type/code label on the blower housing or valve cover
- Record the full string exactly as printed (letters and numbers)
- Use that ID to select the correct air filter, oil filter, spark plug, and fuel filter
- Confirm the oil type and oil capacity before servicing
- Use the manual for the tractor-level specs and operating guidance
| Spec item | What applies to 917273061 |
|---|---|
| Engine rating | 20.0 HP |
| Fuel | Gasoline (unleaded regular) |
| Starting system | Electric start |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 gallons |
If you are troubleshooting hard starting or loss of power, these are the first items we check on a Craftsman riding mower:
- Air filter condition and housing seal
- Fresh fuel and a clean fuel path (tank, lines, filter)
- Battery charge and cable connections
- Spark plug condition and correct gap for your engine model
- Throttle and choke linkage movement
Getting the exact engine identification for 917273061 prevents ordering the wrong tune-up parts and helps you use the correct oil, filters, and ignition components for reliable starting and mowing performance.
Last updated: February 2026





