Craftsman 917273642 lawn tractor Parts

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273642, the tractor is equipped with an 18.5 HP gasoline engine (low-emission design) and an electric start system. The exact engine manufacturer and engine model family are not identified by the model number alone; we confirm the horsepower and key specs in the 917273642 owner's manual.

What we can confirm for model 917273642

From the model-specific specifications, here are the key engine-related details we use for maintenance and parts matching:

• Engine output: 18.5 HP
• Fuel type: unleaded regular gasoline
• Fuel capacity: 4.0 gallons
• Oil type: SAE 30 (above 32°F), SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
• Oil capacity: 3.5 pints with filter, 3.0 pints without filter
• Spark plug: Champion RC12YC (gap 0.030 in.)

Why the engine brand may not be listed

Craftsman used multiple engine suppliers across different production runs. With model 917273642, the model number and tractor labeling typically confirm horsepower and service specs, but the engine maker (such as Briggs & Stratton or another supplier) is usually verified by the engine ID label on the engine shroud or valve cover.

Quick check: where to find the engine ID

• Look for a sticker or stamped plate on the engine blower housing
• Record the engine model, type, and code (or similar fields)
• Use that engine ID when ordering engine-specific parts (filters, carburetor parts, ignition parts)

Common engine service specs at a glance

Item	Spec for 917273642	What it affects
Fuel	Unleaded regular	Starting, storage, fuel system health
Oil viscosity	SAE 30 or SAE 5W-30 by temperature	Cold starts, wear protection
Spark plug	Champion RC12YC, 0.030 in gap	Misfires, hard starting

Why it matters

Using the correct oil viscosity, spark plug, and fuel type helps your 917273642 start easier, run cooler under load (especially with the mower deck engaged), and reduces premature wear during mowing season.

Last updated: January 2026

Craftsman does not manufacture engines; for the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273642, the engine supplier can vary by production run, so we identify the maker by checking the engine’s ID label and matching it to the information in the 917273642 owner's manual.

How to identify who made the engine on model 917273642

Look for the engine identification label, then use the maker’s format to confirm the brand.

• Briggs & Stratton: model-type-code format (often three lines)
• Kohler: “Command/Courage” style model and spec numbers
• Kawasaki: model code such as “FH” or “FR” series plus spec details
• Label is commonly found on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter
• Record the full string (letters and numbers) before ordering parts

Where this matters for parts and service

The tractor model number (917273642) tells us the chassis and deck family, but engine parts (carburetor, air filter, starter, ignition coil) are selected by the engine model/spec.

What you have	What it helps you find	Example items
Tractor model: 917273642	Deck, steering, belts, safety switches	blade drive belt, PTO switch, mandrel parts
Engine model/spec	Engine tune-up and fuel/ignition parts	spark plug, air filter, fuel filter

Quick related tip for this tractor

If you are troubleshooting a no-start or intermittent shutoff, the safety interlock system is a common checkpoint on riding mowers. A worn seat switch can mimic an engine problem; see lawn tractor seat switch 532421062 if you need a compatible replacement.

Why it matters

Knowing the true engine manufacturer prevents ordering the wrong maintenance parts and speeds up troubleshooting, especially when Craftsman tractors were built with engines from multiple suppliers.

Last updated: January 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273642, the model number itself doesn’t show a single “model year.” The practical way to estimate the build date is to find the product identification label on the tractor and interpret the serial number or date code shown there; see the 917273642 owner’s manual.

Where to find the product identification label on model 917273642

On this Craftsman tractor, the ID label is typically in one of these spots:

• Under the seat (lift the seat pan)
• On the rear fender pan near the seat
• On a frame rail under the hood area
• Near the rear transaxle area

How to use the serial number or date code

Craftsman tractors were built by different manufacturers over the years, so the serial format isn’t universal. Start by recording:

• Model number: 917273642
• Full serial number (all letters and digits)
• Any separate “product number” or “manufacture date” line on the same label

Common date-code formats you may see

Format on label	What it usually means	Example interpretation
MMDDYY (6 digits)	Month, day, year	071294 = July 12, 1994
YYWW...	Year and week of manufacture	2315... = 2023, week 15
Mixed letters + digits	Plant/line plus date info	Varies by maker

Why it matters

Knowing the approximate build year helps when you’re comparing running changes and choosing maintenance items like blades, belts, and safety interlock switches.

Parts tip while you’re dating the tractor

For parts compatibility, we recommend using the model number first and then matching by deck size and the old part’s markings. For example, a deck spindle component for this model is the husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794. (This is different from a blade; for instance, 134149 is a blade part number on this model, not a mandrel.)

Last updated: January 2026