How much does it cost to replace a riding mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273764 typically costs $900 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor). The biggest cost drivers are whether you install it yourself, the exact engine spec, and any extra parts needed to restore safe starting and blade operation.
Typical cost breakdown
- Engine (new replacement): $600 to $1,800
- Labor (shop install): $300 to $900
- Pickup/delivery (if used): $50 to $200
- Optional add-ons: $25 to $250 (belts, battery, tune-up parts)
| Scenario | What you pay for | Typical total cost |
|---|---|---|
| DIY swap | Engine + your time | $600 to $1,900 |
| Shop install | Engine + labor | $900 to $2,500 |
| “While we’re in there” refresh | Engine + labor + wear items | $1,050 to $2,750 |
What usually adds cost (and prevents repeat failures)
When an engine is replaced, we also check common no-start and poor-running causes listed in the troubleshooting guidance, because they can look like “bad engine” symptoms.
- Weak battery or corroded terminals
- Damaged wiring, ignition switch, solenoid, or starter
- Stale fuel, clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter
- Low oil level or overdue oil change
- Safety interlock issues (seat/brake/attachment clutch)
For model-specific procedures and safety checks, use the 917273764 owner’s manual.
When engine replacement makes sense
Replace the engine if:
- The engine has internal damage (knocking, seized crank, heavy smoke)
- Compression is low and a rebuild is not cost-effective
- The tractor is otherwise in good shape (deck, transaxle, steering)
Consider repair instead if:
- The engine cranks but will not start (often fuel, spark, or safety circuit)
- The engine clicks but will not turn over (often battery or starter circuit)
A fast way to narrow this down is to follow riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video or riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Why it matters
A correct diagnosis saves money; many “engine replacement” quotes are avoided by fixing the starting circuit, fuel delivery, or safety interlocks first. If you do replace the engine, budgeting for small wear items helps protect the new engine and improves reliability.
Last updated: January 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273764 is equipped with a low-emission 18.0 HP engine (gas) and is designed for electric start operation. For the exact engine make, model, and tune-up specs, use the 917273764 owner's manual.
What we can confirm for model 917273764
From the model documentation, this tractor is described as:
- 18.0 HP lawn tractor
- 42-inch mower deck
- Electric start
- Automatic transmission
- Low-emission engine (operates differently than older designs)
Where to find the exact engine brand and model
Engine brand and model are typically listed on the engine shroud label and in the specifications section of the manual.
- Check the engine ID label (usually on the blower housing or valve cover area)
- Match that ID to the specifications and maintenance sections in the manual
- Use the engine model to buy the correct spark plug, air filter, and oil
Quick comparison: what “kind of engine” usually means
| What you’re trying to identify | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower rating | Listed as 18.0 HP for this model | Confirms performance class and deck pairing |
| Engine type | Gas, low-emission design | Affects starting, choke/throttle use, and tune-up steps |
| Engine manufacturer/model | Engine ID label and manual specs | Ensures correct maintenance parts and settings |
Why it matters
Using the correct engine identification prevents wrong tune-up parts and helps troubleshoot common issues like hard starting, stalling, or poor cutting performance after maintenance.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917273764 engine?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273764 uses a Briggs & Stratton engine model 31P777, type 0299-E1. You can confirm the exact engine identification and related engine parts breakdown in the 917273764 owner's manual.
Where to find the engine model number on the tractor
We recommend checking the engine ID label directly on your tractor because it matches the engine model and type used for ordering engine-specific parts.
- Look for a label on the engine blower housing (shroud) near the recoil/starter area
- Clean off grass and oil film so the numbers are readable
- Record Model, Type, and Code (the Code is the engine build date)
- Use the Type number to match carburetor and fuel system variations
- Keep the numbers with your tractor maintenance records
What the numbers mean (quick reference)
| What you need | Example for this tractor | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | 917273764 | Identifies the Craftsman chassis and deck parts |
| Engine model number | 31P777 | Identifies the Briggs & Stratton engine family |
| Engine type number | 0299-E1 | Identifies the exact engine configuration |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917273764) helps you get the correct Craftsman mower deck, steering, and chassis parts. The engine model and type (31P777 0299-E1) are what you use to match Briggs & Stratton engine components like the air cleaner, carburetor parts, ignition parts, and fuel solenoid.
Last updated: January 2026
Where can I get Craftsman replacement parts?
You can get Craftsman replacement parts for your lawn tractor by shopping with your exact model number (917273764) through Sears PartsDirect, then matching parts by description and diagrams in the 917273764 owner's manual. This is the most reliable way to ensure fit and function.
Best ways to buy the right part
- Use the full model number 917273764 when searching; it narrows results to the correct Craftsman lawn tractor family.
- Match the part by name, location on the diagram, and part ID, not just by a similar-looking photo.
- Replace common wear items as a set when needed (for example, blades and related hardware) to restore cut quality.
- Keep a short list of your most-used maintenance parts so you can reorder quickly.
- If you are unsure between two similar parts, compare measurements (length, hole pattern, thread size) before ordering.
Examples of model-matched parts you can order
Here are a few common parts available for Craftsman model 917273764:
| What you need | Example part for this model | When you typically replace it |
|---|---|---|
| Mower blade (mulching) | Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade 532134149 | Dull edges, bent blade, poor mulching |
| Mower blade (high-lift) | Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 | Weak discharge, uneven cut |
| Ignition key | Molded ignition key 532140403 | Lost key, worn key, intermittent start |
Why it matters
Craftsman parts can look interchangeable across different tractors, but deck size, mandrel style, and hardware can vary. Using the model-specific diagrams and part IDs helps prevent ordering the wrong blade, pulley, or steering component.
Quick tip for faster ordering
Check the maintenance and parts sections in the 917273764 owner's manual first; it helps you confirm deck size, service intervals, and the correct part descriptions before you buy.
Last updated: January 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman is a brand name, so the engine on a Craftsman lawn tractor can be made by different engine manufacturers depending on the specific tractor. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273764, the exact engine maker is identified on the engine label and in the specifications section of the 917273764 owner's manual.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on your 917273764
Check the engine itself first; it is the fastest and most accurate method.
- Lift the hood and look for the engine data plate or sticker (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine brand (for example, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki)
- Record the engine model and type/spec numbers from the label
- Match those numbers to the engine section in the 917273764 owner's manual
- Use the engine model/type numbers when ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter)
Why different companies make “Craftsman” engines
Craftsman tractors are commonly built with engines sourced from major small-engine brands. The tractor model number (917273764) tells us which tractor you have; the engine label tells us which engine you have.
Common engine-brand possibilities
| What you see on the engine | What it means for parts/service |
|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Use the engine model and type numbers for filters, plugs, and carb parts |
| Kohler | Use the engine spec number to match the correct maintenance parts |
| Kawasaki | Use the engine model code for the correct air filter and spark plug |
Why it matters
Using the correct engine manufacturer and model information prevents ordering the wrong maintenance parts and helps you follow the right oil type, oil capacity, and tune-up intervals for your specific engine.
Last updated: January 2026





