Owner’s manual
Where can I find my lawn mower engine model number?
On your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917257643, the tractor model number is on the model plate under the seat, and the engine model number is on the engine blower housing. Use the engine model and type numbers when ordering engine-specific parts; see the 917257643 owner's manual.
Where to look (quick checklist)
- Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key.
- Lift the seat and look for the tractor model plate underneath.
- Open the hood and locate the engine blower housing (the shroud around the top/front of the engine).
- Wipe off grass and oil so the stamped or printed numbers are readable.
- Write down the engine model number and type number exactly as shown.
What numbers you may see on this model
The manual for model 917257643 lists these identifiers for ordering:
| Item | What it identifies | Where you’ll find it |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | The mower/tractor itself | Model plate under the seat |
| Engine model number | The engine family/build | Blower housing |
| Engine type number | The exact engine configuration | Blower housing |
For this tractor, the manual shows ENGINE MODEL NO. 28N707 and TYPE NO. 0160-01 as the engine identifiers.
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917257643) helps match chassis and deck parts (like blades, mandrels, and lift hardware). The engine model and type numbers help match engine-specific items (like ignition, fuel, and starting components). Using the right number prevents ordering a part that looks similar but does not fit.
Parts tip for deck-related repairs
If you’re working on the 42-inch mower deck, common wear items include the blade and mandrel components. For example, the parts list for this model includes the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917257643, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On Craftsman model 917257643, the model number identifies the tractor family, but the build year comes from the product serial number on the tractor itself. Once you find the serial number tag, use the date-code format shown in the 917257643 owner's manual to translate it into a specific month, day, and year.
Where to find the serial number on a Craftsman 917257643
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the tractor frame. Common locations include:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the steering column support
- On the transaxle area frame (rear of tractor)
How to decode the serial number into a year
Many Craftsman riding mowers use a 6-digit date code embedded in the serial number that reads:
- First 2 digits: month (01 to 12)
- Next 2 digits: day (01 to 31)
- Last 2 digits: year (00 to 99)
Quick examples
| Date code | Interprets as | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | 07/28/11 | July 28, 2011 |
| 031905 | 03/19/05 | March 19, 2005 |
| 111420 | 11/14/20 | November 14, 2020 |
If your serial number does not match that pattern
Some tags include letters, extra digits, or a different layout. When that happens, we use these checks:
- Confirm you are reading the serial number, not the engine model/type/code
- Look for a separate date code printed near the serial
- Compare the tractor configuration to the parts list in the 917257643 owner's manual
- Use a known model-specific part to confirm you are working on the correct deck and chassis family (for example, the mower deck parts list includes the mulching blade shown as husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149)
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year helps us match the right parts and diagrams for your tractor, especially for deck components (mandrel parts, blades, deflector shield), electrical parts (starter solenoid), and chassis items (wheels and tires).
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917257643 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917257643 typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine itself, any extra parts needed (battery, belts, pulleys), and labor time. Plan on roughly 6 hours of labor for a full engine swap.
What drives the total replacement cost?
Engine replacement pricing varies because the job often includes more than just the engine.
- Engine price and availability (the biggest cost factor)
- Labor time (engine removal, transfer of parts, alignment, test run)
- Extra parts discovered during teardown (worn pulleys, damaged wiring, cracked fuel lines)
- Battery condition (a weak battery can mimic engine problems)
- Deck and drive system condition (belts and mandrels can add cost if they are worn)
Typical cost breakdown (what you are paying for)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,500+ | Varies by horsepower, shaft size, and brand family |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often based on ~6 hours plus shop rates |
| “While you’re in there” parts | $0 to $300+ | Belts, pulleys, battery, hardware |
Before you replace the engine, confirm it is the problem
We recommend checking a few common no-start and no-crank causes first; they are faster and cheaper than an engine swap.
- Verify the battery is charged and terminals are clean and tight
- Check the fuse and basic wiring connections
- Confirm safety interlocks (seat switch, brake/clutch switch) are working
- If you hear a click but no crank, test the starter circuit and solenoid
- If it cranks but will not start, check fuel delivery and ignition basics
For model-specific operating and service checks, use the owner's manual.
Parts that commonly come up during engine-related repairs
Even when the engine is the main issue, we often see related wear in starting and drive components.
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid symptoms include clicking and intermittent cranking)
- Lawn mower battery 532123899 (weak battery cells can cause slow or no cranking)
Why it matters
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the electrical and safety circuits first helps avoid replacing a good engine and can get your Craftsman 917257643 running again with a simpler fix.
If you decide to move forward, you can order model-matched parts from the parts list for your tractor, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917257643 uses a Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder OHV engine; the model’s manual also references a 15 HP, 42-inch tractor configuration. For the exact engine family and tune-up specs (spark plug, oil type, air filter), use the 917257643 owner's manual.
What we can confirm for model 917257643
From the documentation for this tractor, the engine is identified as a Briggs & Stratton OHV single-cylinder style (often labeled on the hood/decals as B&S OHV). Use these quick checks to match the exact engine variant:
- Look for the engine model/type/code stamped on the blower housing or valve cover area
- Match that code to the manual’s maintenance section for oil and spark plug specs
- Confirm whether your tractor is set up as a 42-inch deck configuration
- Verify throttle and choke operation at the throttle/choke control
- Confirm safety interlocks (seat, brake, PTO) before diagnosing starting issues
Quick identification checklist (fastest way)
Use this order because it avoids guesswork:
- Engine label/stamp: model, type, code (most accurate)
- Manual configuration: tractor model 917257643 and deck size
- Decals/hood markings: often indicate B&S OHV family
Common engine families you may see on this tractor
These are typical for Craftsman front-engine tractors of this era; your exact spec depends on the engine code tag.
| What you see on the tractor | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| “Briggs & Stratton OHV” marking | Single-cylinder overhead valve engine family | Use the engine code to confirm tune-up parts |
| “15 HP” reference in manual/decals | Rated horsepower class for this configuration | Confirm by engine model/type/code |
| 42-inch deck setup | Deck size, not engine size | Use deck parts diagrams for blade/mandrel items |
Why it matters
The exact Briggs & Stratton engine model determines the correct oil viscosity, spark plug, air filter, and even some starting system parts. Using the engine code prevents ordering the wrong maintenance parts and speeds up troubleshooting.
Related parts you might replace during service
If you’re servicing the mower deck or starting system while you’re identifying the engine, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (ignition key)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (blade)
For additional parts lookups by model number, we also support search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman Tiller engines?
Craftsman tiller engines are made by the engine brand installed on the machine; for Craftsman model 917257643 specifically, the equipment documentation lists a Briggs & Stratton engine (engine model family shown as 28N707). Use the engine ID tag to confirm the exact engine maker and spec.
What applies to model 917257643
This model page is for a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor (not a walk-behind tiller), and the manual’s repair parts section identifies the engine as Briggs & Stratton.
- Engine brand shown: Briggs & Stratton
- Engine model family shown: 28N707
- Engine type number shown: 0160-01
- Correct engine parts depend on the full model, type, and code from the engine tag
How to identify the engine maker on a Craftsman tiller or tractor
The Craftsman name is the equipment brand; the engine maker is identified on the engine itself.
- Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine brand plus model and type/spec numbers
- Match those numbers to the engine parts listing in your documentation
- Clean the label gently so all digits are readable
- Use the equipment model number to cross-check diagrams and parts lists
Quick reference
| Equipment you have | Where to confirm the engine maker | What to write down |
|---|---|---|
| Craftsman tiller | Engine ID tag on the engine | Brand, model, type/spec, code |
| Craftsman 917257643 tractor | Engine section of the manual | Briggs & Stratton 28N707, type 0160-01 |
Why it matters
Engine maker and engine model determine the correct maintenance and repair parts (spark plug, air filter, starter, carburetor parts). Matching the engine ID prevents ordering parts for the wrong engine family.
Parts and ordering tip
If you are troubleshooting a no-crank condition on model 917257643, a common starting-system part is the solenoid 532146154. For engine identification and maintenance intervals, use the 917257643 owner's manual. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
