What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On Craftsman model 917273632, the model number identifies the tractor family, but the build year comes from the product identification label (serial/date code), not from the model number alone. Use the date code format shown on your label, then confirm the exact location and label details in the 917273632 owner's manual.
How to find the serial number and date code
Look for a sticker or metal tag in one of these common spots:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail (left or right side)
- Near the engine compartment or dash tower
- On the mower deck shell (sometimes a separate deck tag)
How Craftsman date codes are commonly read
Many Craftsman riding mowers use a 6-digit date code that reads as MMDDYY:
- First 2 digits: month
- Next 2 digits: day
- Last 2 digits: year
Quick examples
| Date code | Interprets as | Build year |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | July 28, 2011 | 2011 |
| 031506 | March 15, 2006 | 2006 |
| 112923 | November 29, 2023 | 2023 |
What to do if your label does not match MMDDYY
Some labels show a longer serial number plus a separate date code, or use a different pattern. Use these checks:
- Write down every character exactly as printed (including dashes)
- Look for words like DOM, DATE, or MFG DATE near the code
- Compare the label location and identification section in the 917273632 owner's manual
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year helps us match the right parts and diagrams for your 42-inch deck and drivetrain, especially for wear items like blades, belts, and mandrel components.
If you are ordering parts after you identify the year, you can use the parts list for model 917273632 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273632, a full engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and any extra parts needed (belts, pulleys, wiring, or fuel system service). Use the 917273632 owner's manual to confirm your engine and safety steps before any repair.
What drives the total replacement cost?
Engine replacement pricing varies because the job often includes more than just the engine.
- Engine type and horsepower (more power usually costs more)
- Labor time (riding mower engines commonly take about 6 hours to swap)
- Extra parts discovered during teardown (mounts, wiring, fuel lines, exhaust)
- Deck and drive condition (worn belts or pulleys can add cost)
- Shop minimums and pickup/delivery fees
Typical cost breakdown
These ranges help you estimate the total before you commit.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $150 to $1,300 | Biggest variable; depends on engine family and availability |
| Labor | $100 to $600 | Often based on hourly rate times job time |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $10 to $200 | Fuel filter, clamps, oil, hardware, belts |
Smart checks before you replace the engine
We recommend ruling out common “no-start” causes first because they can look like engine failure.
- Verify the battery and cable connections are clean and tight
- Confirm safety interlock switches work (seat switch, brake/clutch switch, PTO circuit)
- Check for fresh fuel and replace the fuel filter if flow is restricted
- Inspect for loose or damaged wiring
- If it only clicks or cranks slowly, test the starter circuit and solenoid
If your tractor cranks but will not start, follow the steps in riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. A quick diagnosis first can prevent replacing a good engine when the real issue is a safety switch, fuel delivery problem, or starting circuit fault.
If you do need parts for your Craftsman 917273632, you can order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What Craftsman lawnmower do I have?
You have a Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 917273632. We confirm this by matching the model number on your tractor’s product identification label to the model number shown on the cover of the 917273632 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
On Craftsman tractors like model 917273632, the model number is typically on a product identification label located under the seat area.
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and turn the key off
- Lift the seat and look on the underside of the seat or the seat pan area
- Wipe dirt and grass off the label so the numbers are readable
- Write down the full model number exactly as printed (all digits matter)
How to confirm you have the right model
Use this quick checklist to verify you are looking at the correct Craftsman model before ordering parts like blades, belts, or a PTO switch.
| What to check | What you should see for this model |
|---|---|
| Brand | Craftsman |
| Model number format | 917.273632 (may appear with or without the dot) |
| Mower deck size (common listing) | 42-inch deck |
| Starting system (common listing) | Electric start |
Why it matters
The model number controls parts fit. For example, deck parts (like a blade drive belt or mandrel assembly), electrical parts (like a starter solenoid), and steering parts can vary by model even when tractors look similar.
Parts examples that depend on the exact model
Once you confirm 917273632, you can match parts confidently from the list for your tractor, such as:
- Craftsman lawn tractor pto switch 582107601 (engages the mower deck)
- Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starter solenoid used in the starting circuit)
- Craftsman lawn tractor blade drive belt, 5/8 x 97-2/5-in 532174883 (drives the mower blades on the 42-inch deck)
You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are comparing parts lists or looking up additional diagrams.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman riding mower model 917273632 uses an 18.5 HP engine (as listed in the 917273632 owner's manual). Craftsman tractors in this series commonly use a Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine; the exact engine model is confirmed from the engine ID label on your tractor.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917273632
Use the engine’s identification tag so you get the right tune-up and fuel system parts.
- Lift the hood and look on the blower housing, valve cover area, or engine shroud
- Record the engine model, type, and code (sometimes shown as “model/spec”)
- Use those numbers when selecting the correct air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter
- Match the engine label info to the maintenance specs in the manual (oil type, gap, intervals)
- Keep a photo of the label for future parts lookups
What the manual confirms for this model
The manual provides the key tractor configuration details below.
| Spec item | 917273632 (from manual) |
|---|---|
| Engine output | 18.5 HP |
| Starting system | Electric start |
| Mower deck size | 42 in |
| Transmission | 6-speed transaxle |
Parts that often go with engine and mowing performance service
If you are tuning the tractor up and also addressing cut quality, these deck parts are commonly replaced together:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (strong lift for bagging)
- Craftsman lawn tractor blade drive belt, 5/8 x 97-2/5-in 532174883 (drives the blade system)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 (supports blade spindle function)
Why it matters
The engine brand and the engine model/type/code determine the correct maintenance parts and settings. Using the engine ID label prevents ordering the wrong filters, ignition parts, or carburetor-related items.
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917273632 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





