Craftsman 917254850 lawn tractor Parts

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917254850, a full engine replacement typically costs about $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The biggest cost drivers are the exact engine model, whether you replace it yourself, and any extra parts needed during the swap; see the 917254850 owner's manual for engine identification details.

What drives the total replacement cost?

Most engine-replacement quotes include the engine, labor, and small add-ons discovered during installation.

• Engine price: commonly $500 to $1,800 depending on horsepower and brand
• Labor time: commonly 4 to 8 hours for a riding mower engine swap
• Shop supplies and incidentals: fuel line, clamps, hardware, oil, filter
• Extra repairs found during removal: worn belts, damaged wiring, weak battery
• Pickup and delivery (if offered): can add a noticeable amount

Typical cost ranges (installed)

Scenario	What you’re paying for	Typical total
Budget repair	Used or lower-cost replacement engine, minimal extras	$800 to $1,400
Most common	New engine, standard labor, fluids and small parts	$1,200 to $2,000
Higher-end	Premium engine, more labor, multiple related fixes	$2,000 to $2,500

Before you replace the engine, confirm it’s really needed

Many “needs an engine” symptoms are caused by fuel, ignition, or electrical issues.

• Check battery condition and cable connections
• Verify the safety interlock system is working (seat, brake, PTO)
• Inspect wiring and the ignition switch
• Confirm fuel is fresh and the fuel filter is not restricted
• Check oil level and basic tune-up items (air filter, spark plug)

A quick diagnostic can prevent replacing an engine when the real issue is a starting circuit problem; the manual’s troubleshooting and maintenance sections are a good starting point.

Why it matters

Engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Getting the correct engine model number and ruling out common no-start causes helps you avoid buying the wrong engine or paying for unnecessary work.

Last updated: January 2026

The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917254850 uses a Kohler LT14S engine (Type PS1452) per the model’s engine parts listing in the 917254850 owner's manual.

How to confirm the engine on your tractor

We recommend matching the manual listing to the ID tag on your actual engine (tags are commonly on the blower housing or valve cover area).

• Locate the engine ID tag and write down the model and type/spec numbers
• Compare those numbers to the engine listing shown for model 917254850
• If the tag is dirty, wipe it clean; avoid spraying water directly into electrical areas
• If the tag is missing, use the tractor model number and the engine parts diagram to cross-check

What the manual shows for model 917254850

The documentation for this 14 HP, 42-inch tractor identifies the engine as LT14S with Type PS1452.

Item	What to look for	What it tells you
Engine model	LT14S	The engine family/model used on the tractor
Engine type	PS1452	The specific configuration for parts matching
Tractor model	917254850	The chassis and system the engine is installed in

Why it matters

The engine model and type determine the correct tune-up parts and service specs (spark plug, air filter, fuel system parts, and carburetor settings). Using the exact LT14S Type PS1452 identification helps prevent ordering the wrong parts.

Last updated: January 2026

Craftsman push mower engines are commonly supplied by major small-engine manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917254850, the owner’s documentation specifically identifies a Kohler engine (CV14S, Type PS1452) as the engine used on this tractor; see the 917254850 owner's manual.

How to tell who made your Craftsman engine

We recommend checking the engine’s own model tag, because Craftsman uses different engine suppliers across different mower lines and years.

• Lift the hood and look at the blower housing for the engine model label
• Record the engine model and type/spec numbers (not just the tractor model)
• Match those numbers to the engine maker (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, etc.)
• Use the tractor model plate (often under the seat) to confirm the mower model
• Order tune-up and engine parts using the engine model information when possible

What we know for model 917254850 (lawn tractor)

The manual for Craftsman 917254850 calls out the engine as:

Item	What to look for	Example for this model
Tractor model	Model plate under seat	917254850
Engine maker	Listed in manual and on engine	Kohler
Engine model	On blower housing label	CV14S
Type/spec	On blower housing label	PS1452

Why it matters

Engine parts (air filter, spark plug, carburetor parts, starter components) are selected by the engine model and type, while chassis and deck parts (belts, blades, mandrels) are selected by the tractor model.

If you are maintaining the mower deck on this tractor, a common wear item is the lawn tractor ground drive or blade drive belt, 1/2 x 92-2/5-in 592855201, which can affect blade drive performance when worn or stretched.

Last updated: January 2026