How much does it cost to replace a riding mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 247203742 typically costs $1,200 to $3,500 total (engine plus labor). The exact price depends on whether you choose a direct-fit replacement, the engine horsepower class, and how much teardown and wiring/fuel work is required; see the Craftsman 247203742 owner’s manual for model-specific service and safety guidance.
What makes the price go up or down
- Engine type and size: single-cylinder engines usually cost less than V-twins.
- Fitment and mounting: direct bolt-in replacements cost less than conversions.
- Labor time: engine swaps often include pulley alignment, belt routing, and throttle/choke setup.
- Extra parts: worn belts, pulleys, fuel lines, or wiring can add cost.
- Shop rates: local labor rates vary widely.
Typical cost breakdown (what you are paying for)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $700 to $2,500 | Biggest variable; depends on specs and brand |
| Labor | $300 to $1,200 | Often several hours of shop time |
| Misc. parts and fluids | $50 to $300 | Oil, filter, clamps, hardware, tune-up items |
Repair vs. replace: a quick decision guide
We usually recommend comparing these options before committing to an engine swap:
- If the tractor is otherwise solid (good transaxle, deck, steering), an engine replacement can make sense.
- If it has multiple major issues (drive problems, heavy deck rust, electrical damage), total repair cost can exceed the tractor’s value.
- If it only runs poorly, you may be able to avoid an engine swap by addressing fuel/ignition issues first.
Why it matters
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a front-engine lawn tractor. Pricing it out up front helps you avoid paying for an engine when a lower-cost fix (fuel system, ignition, or maintenance) would restore power.
Last updated: January 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers, and the exact engine brand on model 247203742 is identified by the engine’s own model and type numbers (on the engine label), not by the tractor brand name alone. For this tractor, confirm the engine maker by matching the engine ID tag to the specifications in the 247203742 owner’s manual.
How to identify the engine brand on model 247203742
Look for an engine identification label (usually a sticker or stamped plate) on the engine itself. Common locations include:
- On top of the blower housing (near the recoil or shroud)
- On the valve cover area
- Near the spark plug side of the engine
- On the engine block near the muffler
- Under the hood on a visible flat surface
Write down what you see on the tag; it typically includes an engine model, type, and code (or serial number).
What engine brands you may see on Craftsman tractors
Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, these engine brands are common:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Tecumseh (older equipment)
- Honda (more common on some walk-behind products than tractors)
Because Craftsman tractors were produced across different years and suppliers, the engine brand can vary even within similar-looking units.
Quick check: tractor model vs. engine model
| What you have | What it tells you | What to use for parts |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model 247203742 | Tractor chassis and configuration | Tractor parts diagrams and lists |
| Engine model/type/code | Exact engine manufacturer and build | Engine tune-up and internal engine parts |
Why it matters
Using the engine’s model/type/code prevents ordering the wrong spark plug, air filter, carburetor parts, or exhaust components. For example, an engine-specific part like the exhaust gasket 692236 must match the engine family it was designed for.
Last updated: January 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
For Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 247203742, the exact engine make, model, and horsepower cannot be identified from the model-specific information we have here. Many Craftsman riders in this class use a single-cylinder gasoline engine, but you should confirm the engine details on the engine label and in the 247203742 owner’s manual.
How to identify the engine on model 247203742
Use these quick checks to get the correct engine type for parts and maintenance:
- Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine brand (often Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or similar)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Match the fuel decal requirements before filling (for example, ethanol guidance)
- Use the engine ID when buying tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, oil filter)
If your tractor’s fuel labeling is missing or unreadable, replacing it helps prevent misfueling; see lawn tractor e85 fuel decal 777X43688.
What “kind of engine” usually means (and what to look for)
Most customers mean one of these items:
| What you need | Where to find it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Engine brand and model | Engine label | Correct filters, plug, carb parts |
| Horsepower or displacement | Engine label or manual | Performance expectations, service specs |
| Fuel type (ethanol guidance) | Fuel decal and manual | Prevents hard starting and fuel-system damage |
| Oil type and capacity | Manual and engine manual | Protects the engine and extends life |
Why it matters
On a riding mower, the tractor model number (like 247203742) identifies the chassis and deck family, but the engine is often a separate model system. Using the engine’s model and code is the most reliable way to get the right maintenance parts and settings.
Last updated: January 2026
Where can I find the Craftsman riding mower model number?
On the Craftsman riding mower model 247203742, the model number is typically printed on the product identification label located under the seat (often on the underside of the seat or the seat pan area). We recommend confirming the exact label location and format in the 247203742 owner’s manual.
Where to look on model 247203742
Check these common spots first (with the mower parked on a flat surface and the engine off):
- Underside of the seat (lift the seat up)
- Seat pan or frame directly under the seat
- Left side of the seat mounting area
- Rear fender area near the seat base
- Frame rail near the operator position
What the label usually includes
The identification label commonly lists more than just the model number.
| Label item | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts diagrams and compatible replacement parts |
| Serial number | Identifying production run and correct revisions |
| Date code (if present) | Helpful for service and parts lookups |
Tips to make the number easy to read
If the label is dirty or faded, these steps usually help:
- Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth and mild soap
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to highlight embossed printing
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (including any dashes)
Why it matters
Using the correct model number for your Craftsman tractor ensures we match you to the right diagrams and parts, especially for items that vary by deck configuration, steering components, or fuel system parts.
Last updated: January 2026
Why won't my riding mower engine turn?
On a Craftsman 247203742 riding mower, an engine that will not turn (no crank) is usually caused by a weak battery, dirty or loose battery cables/grounds, a blown fuse, or a safety interlock that is not made (seat, brake, or PTO). Use the starting and safety checks in the 247203742 owner’s manual to confirm the correct start sequence.
Quick checks (fastest to rule out)
- Set the parking brake fully and sit firmly in the seat.
- Make sure the PTO/blade switch is OFF and the throttle is set to the recommended start position.
- Check battery terminals for corrosion; clean and tighten.
- Inspect the ground cable where it bolts to the frame/engine for rust or looseness.
- Listen for symptoms: no sound, a single click, rapid clicking, or slow cranking.
What the symptom usually means
| What you hear/see | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing at all | Safety interlock open, bad key switch, blown fuse, bad wiring | Verify brake/seat/PTO positions; inspect wiring and fuse |
| Single click | Weak battery, bad solenoid, poor cable connection | Load-test battery; check cable tightness |
| Rapid clicking | Battery voltage too low under load | Charge battery; check for corrosion |
| Slow crank | Weak battery, high resistance in cables, starter dragging | Clean connections; test starter circuit |
Parts and circuits to focus on
If the basics check out, the no-crank problem is typically in one of these areas:
- Battery and charging system (battery, cables, grounds)
- Safety interlock circuit (seat switch, brake switch, PTO switch)
- Starter circuit (starter solenoid, starter motor)
- Wiring damage or loose connectors; the lawn tractor wire harness 725P04432P is the main harness used to distribute power and signals
Why it matters
A no-crank condition is often a simple voltage drop or interlock issue. Fixing the root cause prevents repeated dead-battery situations and avoids overheating cables, damaging terminals, or stressing the starter motor.
Last updated: January 2026





