What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917271660 uses a 17.0 HP low-emission engine and is paired with a 42-inch mower deck; it also features electric start and an automatic transmission. For the exact engine make and service specs, use the 917271660 owner's manual.
- Engine power rating: 17.0 HP
- Engine type: low-emission design (operates differently than older engines)
- Starting system: electric start
- Mower deck size: 42-inch
- Drive system: automatic transmission
The engine manufacturer (commonly Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, or similar on tractors of this class) is identified on the engine itself and in the documentation.
- Check the engine shroud/valve cover label for the engine model, type, and code
- Look for the emissions label near the muffler or blower housing
- Match those numbers to the tune-up section in the 917271660 owner's manual
- Use the engine model to buy the correct spark plug, air filter, and oil filter
| Engine style | What it means | What you will notice |
|---|---|---|
| Single-cylinder gasoline | One-cylinder mower engine | More vibration, simpler maintenance |
| Low-emission design | Newer emissions-compliant carb/fuel setup | Can be more sensitive to stale fuel |
The engine make and model determines the correct maintenance parts and settings (spark plug type/gap, air filter style, oil capacity, and carburetor adjustments). Using the wrong tune-up parts can cause hard starting, surging, or poor power under load.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917271660 typically costs $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor). The final price depends on engine type, whether you reuse pulleys and wiring, and how much shop time is needed for setup and safety checks.
- Engine cost: Most replacement riding mower engines fall in the $500 to $1,800 range.
- Labor time: Commonly 3 to 8 hours, depending on rusted fasteners, wiring condition, and alignment.
- Extra parts: Belts, pulleys, keys, and hardware often get replaced during the swap.
- Deck and drive condition: If the tractor also has a worn drive belt or deck issues, the shop may recommend addressing those at the same time.
- DIY vs shop: DIY saves labor but still requires careful setup and testing.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $500 to $1,800 | Varies by horsepower, crankshaft size, and brand compatibility |
| Labor | $300 to $1,200 | Based on 3 to 8 hours shop time |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $25 to $200 | Fuel line, clamps, oil, filter, hardware |
| Total installed | $800 to $2,500 | Most common real-world range |
We recommend confirming the tractor is worth the investment and that the “no-run” problem is truly engine-related.
- Verify the engine turns freely (not seized)
- Check battery and starting circuit first (clicking or no-crank can be electrical)
- Confirm the key and ignition switch are working (a lost or damaged key is common)
- Inspect belts and pulleys for binding that can overload the engine
- Review the maintenance and troubleshooting sections in the 917271660 owner's manual
If you need a replacement key during diagnosis, the molded ignition key 532140403 is a common wear item for this tractor.
An engine replacement can cost more than the tractor’s resale value, but it can still be the best choice when the deck, transaxle, and chassis are in good shape and you want reliable mowing for years.
Last updated: January 2026
Who makes the 547cc IntelliPower engine?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917271660, the engine manufacturer shown in the tractor documentation is Briggs & Stratton. “547cc IntelliPower” is a marketing label used on other tractor lines; it is not the engine description used for this Craftsman model.
In the engine section of the tractor parts breakdown, the engine is identified as a Briggs & Stratton engine, and the engine breakdown pages are labeled for a Briggs & Stratton engine.
- Check the engine pages in the tractor parts breakdown for the maker name
- Use the engine’s model and type from the engine ID tag when ordering engine-specific parts
- Match tune-up parts by engine family (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter) rather than by deck size
- If your tractor has had an engine swap, the engine ID tag is the deciding reference
Reference: 917271660 owner's manual
| Item to compare | “547cc IntelliPower” engines | Craftsman 917271660 |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s described | Marketing name tied to certain newer tractors | Identified by Briggs & Stratton maker and engine breakdown in documentation |
| Best way to identify | Engine label and model/type on the engine | Engine ID tag plus the tractor’s engine breakdown |
| Best way to buy parts | Use engine model/type, not the marketing name | Use engine model/type, not a cc claim |
Engine parts (carburetor, ignition parts, gaskets, filters) must match the exact engine model and type. Using a “547cc IntelliPower” description on a Craftsman 917271660 can lead to ordering the wrong parts.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917271660 engine?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917271660 uses a Briggs & Stratton engine model 310707, type 0137-E1. This engine identification appears in the engine breakdown section of the 917271660 owner's manual.
Use the engine ID label on the engine itself to match parts correctly. On most riding mower engines, the label is on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter.
- Clean the label area with a rag so the numbers are readable
- Record the model, type, and code exactly as shown
- Match engine parts by engine model and type, not by tractor model alone
- Use the tractor model 917271660 for chassis, deck, steering, and drive parts
| Identifier | What it identifies | Example for this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | The Craftsman tractor platform | 917271660 |
| Engine model number | The Briggs & Stratton engine family | 310707 |
| Engine type number | The exact build variation | 0137-E1 |
Engine parts like carburetor components, gaskets, ignition parts, and muffler parts must match the engine model and type. Using the correct engine ID prevents ordering parts that do not fit.
These are common wear items owners replace while servicing the tractor:
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (worn key or intermittent starting)
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 (slipping or loss of drive)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (poor cut quality or vibration)
Last updated: January 2026





