Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272464, a full engine replacement typically runs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, whether any pulleys or belts must be transferred, and local labor rates. Plan on about 6 hours of labor for a riding mower engine swap.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price: short block vs complete engine, and horsepower class
- Labor time: removal, transfer of parts, alignment, and test run
- Extra parts: worn belts, pulleys, or electrical starting parts discovered during the swap
- Shop supplies: oil, filter, fuel line clamps, and hardware
- Condition issues: rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, or fuel contamination
Common “while you’re in there” parts to check
Even when you are replacing the engine, we recommend inspecting these items because they can cause poor performance or repeat failures:
- Ground drive belt condition and routing
- Blade engagement and deck mandrels for noise or wobble
- Battery cables and starter circuit connections
- Fuel quality (stale fuel and water in fuel are common no-start causes)
- Safety interlock switches (seat switch, brake switch, PTO/attachment clutch switch)
If you are chasing a no-crank or click-only symptom before committing to an engine, use our DIY walkthrough: riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Quick cost breakdown (typical ranges)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,400 | Biggest variable by engine type and availability |
| Labor | $200 to $600 | Often ~6 hours total for riding mowers |
| Fluids and small parts | $20 to $150 | Oil, filter, clamps, hardware |
| Optional related repairs | $0 to $400+ | Belts, pulleys, wiring fixes |
Why it matters
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Before spending on a new engine, we use the troubleshooting steps in the owner's manual to rule out common causes like stale fuel, a loose spark plug wire, clogged air cooling fins, or safety interlock problems.
If you decide to repair instead of replace, you can order model-matched parts for 917272464 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes; replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272464 is worth it when the deck, transmission, and chassis are still solid and you want several more seasons of reliable mowing. It is not worth it when the deck is rusted through, steering or drivetrain is failing, or total cost is near a replacement tractor.
Quick decision checklist
- Deck is structurally sound (no cracks, no rust-through)
- Automatic transmission drives smoothly forward and reverse
- Steering and brakes feel tight and controllable
- You can match the replacement engine shaft size and mounting pattern
- You are comfortable doing a half-day to full-day swap (or paying labor)
Cost and value comparison
| Option | Best when | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Replace engine | Tractor is otherwise in good shape | Lowest cost per year of use; keeps a familiar machine running |
| Repair existing engine | Problem is fuel, spark, or maintenance | Cheapest fix; fastest return to service |
| Replace tractor | Multiple major systems are worn | Higher upfront cost; fewer unknowns |
Rule out common “bad engine” symptoms first
Many no-start or poor-running complaints are caused by maintenance or safety interlocks, not a failed engine. Use the troubleshooting steps in the 917272464 owner's manual to check:
- Stale fuel or water in fuel; drain and refill with fresh gasoline
- Dirty air filter, clogged cooling fins, or dirty muffler
- Spark plug and plug wire connection
- Fuel delivery issues (fuel filter, carburetor adjustment)
- Safety interlocks (seat switch, brake pedal switch, PTO/attachment clutch position)
Why it matters
An engine swap only pays off when the rest of the tractor can safely handle the investment. On the 917272464, deck condition and blade setup also affect vibration and cut quality; the manual specifies blade bolt torque at 27 to 35 ft-lb.
Parts often addressed during an overhaul
- For a cleaner cut: lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- For spindle or mandrel wear and vibration: husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
- For slipping or weak drive: lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
For additional parts lookups by model number, you can also search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272464 uses a low-emission 21.5 HP engine (per the 917272464 owner's manual). For best performance and battery charging, we run the engine at full throttle when mowing.
How to confirm the engine details on your tractor
Use these quick checks to match what you have on the machine:
- Check the engine shroud label for the engine brand and model code
- Compare the tractor model tag to 917272464
- Review the “Product Specifications” section in the 917272464 owner's manual
- Note whether your tractor has electric start and automatic transmission (both are called out for this model)
- If the engine has been replaced, rely on the engine’s own model label, not the tractor model
What we know for model 917272464 (from the manual)
| Item | What to expect on 917272464 |
|---|---|
| Engine output | 21.5 HP, low-emission engine |
| Starting | Electric start |
| Drive type | Automatic transmission |
| Mower deck | 42-inch mower deck |
Why it matters
The exact engine model determines the correct tune-up parts and settings (spark plug, air filter, fuel system checks, and throttle/choke use). It also affects troubleshooting steps if the engine clicks, spins, or will not start.
Related troubleshooting help
If your tractor clicks but will not crank, or cranks but will not start, follow the steps in our riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video and riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For this Craftsman 42-inch riding mower, the model number is 917.272464 (often written without the dot as 917272464). You can confirm it on the identification label and in the 917272464 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
Most Craftsman lawn tractors list the model number on a product ID label. Check these common spots:
- Under the seat (seat pan area)
- On the rear fender or frame near the seat
- On the left or right side of the chassis
- Near the engine compartment or hood area
Why the model number matters for parts
We use the model number to match the correct parts diagrams and ensure fit for your 42-inch mower deck, engine, and drive system.
- Prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, or mandrel parts
- Helps match the correct engine breakdown and hardware sizes
- Ensures the right deck configuration (42-inch deck components vary by model)
Quick reference: model number formats
| What you see | What it means | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| 917.272464 | Full model format (with dot) | Manuals, ID labels |
| 917272464 | Same model number (no dot) | Parts lookup and ordering |
Common 42-inch deck parts for this model
If you are confirming you have the 42-inch deck setup for model 917272464, these parts are commonly associated with the 42-inch mower deck:
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (mulching blade listed for the 42-inch deck setup)
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (high-lift blade option)
- Vented mandrel shaft assembly 532137646 (mandrel shaft used in the deck spindle assembly)
Why it matters
Even when two tractors are both described as “Craftsman 42-inch,” the exact model number controls which blades, belts, pulleys, and mandrel assemblies fit correctly and cut safely.
Last updated: February 2026
