Craftsman 917273041 tractor Parts

For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917273041, a full engine replacement typically runs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and any extra parts needed (fuel line, belts, wiring). Most shops book around 6 labor hours for a riding mower engine swap.

What drives the total cost

• Engine price (new, rebuilt, or used; horsepower and shaft specs matter)
• Labor rate (local shop rates vary widely)
• Extra parts often replaced during the job (fuel filter, spark plug, belts)
• Condition of mounting hardware (rusted bolts add time)
• Electrical and safety interlock checks after installation

Typical cost breakdown (installed)

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
Engine (part)	$200 to $1,400	Biggest variable; must match crankshaft size and charging system
Labor	$200 to $700	Often based on ~6 hours
Fluids and tune-up items	$20 to $120	Oil, filter, spark plug, fuel filter
Misc. hardware	$10 to $75	Clamps, fasteners, wiring repairs

What to check before you buy an engine

Use the 917273041 owner's manual to confirm the correct engine specifications and to rule out simpler no-start issues first.

• Battery condition and cable connections
• Safety interlock operation (seat switch, brake/clutch pedal, PTO disengaged)
• Fuel delivery (replace the in-line fuel filter once each season)
• Ignition and starting circuit (key switch, solenoid, wiring)
• Compression and oil consumption (signs the engine is truly worn out)

Why it matters

An engine replacement only pays off when the rest of the tractor is solid. If the mower deck, steering, and drivetrain are in good shape, a correctly matched engine can restore reliable starting and power for years.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917273041, we look up the model number by finding the model and serial tag on the tractor itself, then using that exact number when searching parts and manuals. On many Craftsman tractors, the tag is on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat; confirm the exact location in the 917273041 owner's manual.

Where to find the model and serial tag

Check these common spots first (clean off grass and dirt so the numbers are readable):

• On the frame directly under the seat (lift the seat)
• On the underside of the seat pan
• Near the rear fender area by the seat mounting points
• On the frame rail near the engine compartment (less common)

How to use the number once you find it

Use the full model number exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown). For this tractor, the manual identifies it as 917.273041; parts listings typically use 917273041.

Quick format guide

What you see on the tag/manual	What to type when searching parts
917.273041	917273041
Serial number (varies)	Keep for service records

Why it matters

The model number narrows down the correct diagrams and parts for your exact deck, engine setup, and hardware. That prevents ordering look-alike parts that do not fit, such as steering linkage pieces or deck components.

Pro tips for accurate lookup

• Write the model and serial number down before ordering parts
• Take a clear photo of the tag for reference
• If the tag is missing or unreadable, use the tractor’s features (deck size, engine HP, and configuration) from the 917273041 owner's manual to help match the correct model family

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman model 917273041, the owner's manual identifies it as a 20.0 HP front-engine garden tractor with electric start and a 46-inch mower deck. For the exact engine manufacturer and model family (such as Briggs & Stratton or Kohler), we use the engine ID details listed in the 917273041 owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on your tractor

Use these quick checks to confirm the engine type and order the right tune-up parts:

• Look for the engine ID label on the engine shroud, valve cover area, or blower housing.
• Record the engine model, type, and code (or spec number) exactly as shown.
• Match the horsepower rating and deck size to the tractor specs (20.0 HP, 46-inch deck).
• Check whether your tractor uses a carbureted gasoline engine (most common for this model era).
• Use the manual's repair parts section to cross-reference engine-related components.

What the manual tells us about this model

The manual for Craftsman 917273041 calls out key specs that help narrow engine and maintenance requirements:

Spec item	What to expect on 917273041
Engine output	20.0 HP
Starting system	Electric start
Fuel type	Unleaded regular gasoline
Fuel capacity	3.5 gallons
Mower deck size	46 inches

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors can be built with different engine brands across production runs. Confirming the engine ID prevents wrong-part issues for common service items like the spark plug, air filter, oil filter, and fuel system parts, and it also helps when troubleshooting no-start or hard-start symptoms.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273041, use SAE 30 engine oil when outdoor temperatures are above 32°F, and SAE 5W-30 when temperatures are below 32°F. The manual also specifies an API service rating of SF, SG, or SH for the engine oil.

Oil recommendation for model 917273041

Use the viscosity that matches your mowing temperature range:

Typical outdoor temperature	Oil viscosity to use	API service rating
Above 32°F (0°C)	SAE 30	SF, SG, or SH
Below 32°F (0°C)	SAE 5W-30	SF, SG, or SH

Oil capacity for this tractor

The product specifications for model 917273041 list these fill amounts:

• With oil filter: 4.0 pints
• Without oil filter: 3.8 pints
• Add oil slowly and recheck the dipstick to avoid overfilling

Quick oil check steps (before you mow)

We recommend checking the oil level on level ground before each use.

• Park on a flat surface and shut the engine off
• Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe it clean
• Reinsert the dipstick (rest the cap on the tube, do not thread it)
• Remove again and confirm the level is at the FULL mark
• Top off as needed; do not overfill

For the full procedure and the oil viscosity chart, follow the 917273041 owner’s manual.

Why it matters

Correct oil viscosity and API rating keep the engine properly lubricated in hot or freezing conditions, reduce start-up wear, and help the tractor hold steady oil pressure when mowing under load.

Last updated: February 2026

A Craftsman riding mower model 917273041 does not have a single “model year” printed in the model number itself. To identify the exact build timeframe, we use the tractor’s serial number (and any date code) from the product ID label, then match it to the identification details in the 917273041 owner's manual.

Where to find the product ID label

On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the model and serial label is in one of these spots:

• Under the seat on the fender pan or frame
• On the rear frame near the hitch plate
• Along a frame rail near the engine compartment
• Under the hood near the dash tower
• Near the transmission area on the frame

What to write down before you look up the year

Record these items exactly as shown on the label; they are what ties your mower to a production timeframe.

• Model number: 917273041
• Serial number
• Any date code (sometimes separate from the serial)
• Engine model and type code (useful for cross-checking)

ID item	What it’s used for	Why it matters
Model number (917273041)	Confirms the correct parts diagrams and tractor configuration	Prevents ordering parts for a similar 917-series tractor
Serial number/date code	Identifies the manufacturing timeframe	Gets you the right version when designs changed mid-run
Engine model/type code	Helps match engine tune-up and fuel system parts	Confirms engine-specific parts separate from tractor parts

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors can have running changes during production. Knowing the serial number based build timeframe helps us match the correct repair parts for systems that commonly vary, such as the PTO circuit, ignition wiring, fuel system, and mower deck hardware.

Last updated: February 2026