Craftsman 917273122 tractor Parts

The model number for this Craftsman riding mower is 917.273122 (often written without the dot as 917273122). You can confirm it on the model tag and in the first pages of the owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the tractor

Check these common locations on Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors:

• Under the seat on the frame or fender pan
• On the rear frame near the hitch plate
• Along the left or right side of the frame rail
• Near the engine compartment on a frame sticker
• Inside the hood area on the chassis

How the model number is typically written

You may see the same model shown in a few formats; they all refer to the same tractor.

Where you see it	Example	What it means
Owner's manual	917.273122	Standard manual format
Parts listings	917273122	Same model, no dot
Model tag	917.273122	Most common on the tractor

Why it matters

Using the exact model number 917.273122 ensures you get the correct Craftsman parts diagrams and the right replacement parts (for example, belts, PTO switch, or steering components) for your specific tractor.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273122, a full engine replacement (parts plus labor) typically costs about $800 to $2,500. The biggest cost drivers are the engine itself, any required mounting or wiring changes, and shop labor time.

What affects the total price?

• Engine type and horsepower (single-cylinder vs. V-twin)
• Whether the replacement is a direct-fit engine or needs modifications
• Labor time (engine swaps on riding tractors commonly take most of a workday)
• Extra parts discovered during teardown (belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel parts)
• Condition of the tractor (rusted fasteners, worn mounts, damaged harness)

Typical cost breakdown

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
Replacement engine	$500 to $1,800	Most of the total cost is here
Labor	$300 to $700	Varies by shop rate and complexity
Misc. parts and supplies	$25 to $150	Fuel line, clamps, hardware, oil, filter

Before you replace the engine, check these common “no-start” causes

Many tractors that seem to need an engine actually have a starting or safety-interlock issue. Your owner's manual explains that the engine should only crank with the clutch/brake fully depressed and the attachment clutch disengaged.

• Battery charge and cable connections
• Safety interlock switches (seat switch, brake switch, PTO switch)
• Starter solenoid operation (a common click-no-crank culprit)
• Fuel quality and air filter condition
• Blade drive and PTO engagement issues that mimic power loss

If you suspect an electrical start problem, the solenoid 532146154 is a common service part for this model family.

Why it matters

An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the problem first can save hundreds of dollars and get your Craftsman 917273122 back to mowing faster.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273122, use 4-cycle engine oil with viscosity matched to outdoor temperature: SAE 10W-30 above 32°F and SAE 5W-30 below 32°F. Use oil meeting API service SF, SG, or SH; see the 917273122 owner's manual for the oil viscosity chart and maintenance intervals.

Oil viscosity and service rating (model 917273122)

Use these specifications from the manual:

• SAE 10W-30 for temperatures above 32°F
• SAE 5W-30 for temperatures below 32°F
• Oil must meet API SF, SG, or SH
• Check oil with the tractor on level ground
• Fill to the FULL mark on the dipstick; do not overfill

Oil capacity (from the manual)

The manual lists these approximate capacities:

Engine oil capacity	Amount
With oil filter	4.2 pints
Without oil filter	3.7 pints

Oil change schedule and quick tips

Following the schedule in the manual prevents overheating and premature engine wear.

• Change oil every 50 hours of operation
• Change oil at least once per year (even if under 50 hours)
• Check oil level before starting and after each 8 hours of operation
• Drain oil when warm (it drains more completely)

Why it matters

Correct viscosity keeps lubrication stable in heat and improves starting in cold weather. Using the API service rating specified for the tractor helps protect internal engine parts under mowing load.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273122 is a 22.0 HP, electric-start tractor per the model’s documentation. The manual lists operating and tune-up specs (fuel, oil, spark plug), but the exact engine manufacturer and engine model are confirmed by the engine ID tag; see the 917273122 owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on model 917273122

Use the engine identification label to get the correct make and model for parts and service.

• Find the engine ID tag on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
• Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
• Use that ID when selecting engine tune-up parts (air filter, oil filter, carburetor parts)
• If the tag is dirty, clean it gently and take a clear photo for reference
• Keep the ID with your maintenance records for faster parts matching later

Key engine-related specs listed for 917273122

These are the specs you can use immediately for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Item	Spec (from documentation)
Power rating	22.0 HP
Starting system	Electric start
Fuel type	Unleaded regular
Fuel capacity	3.5 gallons
Charging system	15 amps @ 3600 RPM
Spark plug	Champion RC12YC (gap 0.030 in)

Related parts that commonly affect starting and PTO operation

If the engine clicks, will not crank, or the deck will not engage, these parts are frequent causes.

• Solenoid 532146154 (switches battery power to the starter)
• Switch.pto.3 582107601 (enables PTO clutch circuit)
• Molded ignition key 532140403 (key interface for the ignition switch)

Why it matters

The engine’s exact make and model determine the correct tune-up parts and settings. Using the engine ID tag prevents ordering the wrong parts and speeds up diagnosis for no-start, charging, and PTO engagement problems.

Last updated: February 2026