How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917250550, a full engine replacement typically runs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and whether related fuel or drive parts also need attention.
What drives the total cost?
Engine replacement cost is usually a mix of parts, labor time, and “while we’re in there” items.
- Engine price (new or remanufactured)
- Labor time (riding mowers commonly take longer than walk-behinds)
- Extra parts you may replace at the same time (belts, switches, fuel components)
- Shop supplies (oil, filter, clamps, hardware)
- Condition of the tractor (rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, worn pulleys)
Typical cost breakdown (what to expect)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $200 to $1,500+ | Varies by horsepower, shaft size, charging system, and availability |
| Labor | $150 to $600+ | Often several hours for removal, swap, and setup |
| Fluids and small parts | $20 to $100 | Oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware |
| Optional “while you’re there” parts | $40 to $200+ | Belts, idlers, switches, fuel tank parts |
Smart add-on checks before you buy an engine
We recommend confirming the engine is truly the problem, because a no-start or no-crank issue is often electrical or fuel-related.
- If it clicks but won’t crank, check battery cables, solenoid, and safety circuits; use riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video
- If it spins but won’t start, check fuel delivery and ignition; use riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video
- If the PTO won’t engage, the issue may be the PTO switch, not the engine; consider switch 582107601
- If it runs then dies, inspect fuel flow and tank venting; the fuel tank assembly 532151346 is a common wear item on many tractors
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Verifying the starting, fuel, and safety interlock systems first helps you avoid replacing a good engine and can get your Craftsman 917250550 back to mowing faster.
To price out repair parts for your tractor, start with the parts list for model 917250550, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a lawn mower engine?
A typical lawn tractor engine on a Craftsman 917250550 includes the fuel system, air intake, ignition, starting system, and internal rotating assembly. On this model, common engine-related service items you may see include the fuel tank, ignition key, and PTO switch that controls blade engagement.
Main engine systems (what each one does)
- Fuel system: stores and delivers fuel (tank, fuel line, carburetor)
- Air intake: filters air before it enters the engine (air filter, intake)
- Ignition system: creates spark to ignite the fuel mixture (ignition coil, spark plug, flywheel magnets)
- Starting/charging: cranks the engine and keeps the battery charged (starter, solenoid, alternator, battery)
- Lubrication: reduces wear and heat (oil, crankcase, seals)
- Internal engine assembly: makes power (piston, rings, connecting rod, crankshaft, valves)
- Exhaust: routes hot gases away (muffler)
Parts you might replace on this model
These are examples of parts on the Craftsman 917250550 that relate to starting, running, or operating the engine:
- Fuel tank assembly 532151346 (fuel storage and supply)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (enables the ignition switch to power the ignition and starter circuits)
- Switch 582107601 (PTO switch that energizes the electric clutch circuit for blade engagement)
Quick reference: engine parts vs. tractor parts
| Category | Examples | What you notice when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Engine fuel/air/spark | fuel tank, carburetor, air filter, spark plug | hard starting, surging, stalling |
| Engine starting/charging | starter, solenoid, battery, wiring | clicking, no crank, slow crank |
| Blade engagement (PTO) | PTO switch, electric clutch | blades will not engage or cut out |
| Drivetrain/steering (not engine) | belts, pulleys, drag link | won’t move, poor steering, uneven cut |
Why it matters
Knowing which system you are dealing with helps you buy the right replacement part and troubleshoot faster. For example, a no-start issue is usually fuel, spark, or starting circuit; a “won’t mow” issue is often PTO switch, clutch, or deck drive components.
Helpful DIY guidance
- Use riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video for starter, solenoid, and battery checks.
- Use riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video for fuel and ignition troubleshooting.
For replacement parts for Craftsman 917250550, order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917250550, the exact engine make and model varies by build and is best confirmed from the engine ID tag on your tractor. Most Craftsman front-engine riding mowers in this class use a single-cylinder gasoline engine in the 15 to 20 HP range.
How to identify the engine on model 917250550
Check these locations on the tractor; the engine label is the most reliable way to match parts and tune-up items.
- Look on the blower housing (top/front of the engine) for a model-type-code label
- Check the valve cover area for a stamped model number
- Look near the starter or muffler heat shield for an ID sticker
- Record the full engine model and any type/code numbers before ordering parts
Quick checks that help you narrow it down
Even without the engine tag in hand, these details usually point you in the right direction.
- Single-cylinder vs. twin-cylinder (most are single-cylinder on older Craftsman tractors)
- Carbureted gasoline engine (typical for this model family)
- Deck size and drive system (helps match belts, pulleys, and PTO components)
- Starting and safety interlock behavior (helps diagnose “no crank” vs. “cranks no start”)
Common symptoms and the parts that often relate
If you are chasing an engine-related problem, these model-specific parts are frequently involved:
| Symptom | What to check first | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not crank | Battery connections, safety switches, key switch | Molded ignition key 532140403 |
| Engine cranks but blades will not engage | PTO switch, wiring, clutch circuit | Switch 582107601 |
| Engine runs but mower will not move correctly | Drive belt condition and routing | Husqvarna lawn tractor lawn mower secondary v-belt 532137153 |
Why it matters
The engine brand and exact engine model determine the correct tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter) and the right troubleshooting path. For drive and cutting issues, matching belts, pulleys, and PTO switch parts to model 917250550 prevents fit and routing problems.
Ordering the right parts
We recommend ordering replacement parts for your Craftsman 917250550 from the parts list for this model, or searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are cross-referencing additional diagrams and components.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917250550 made?
Craftsman model 917250550 was built across multiple production runs, so there is not one single “made year” tied to that model number. We date it by the serial number and product ID tag on the tractor (typically under the seat or on the frame), which identifies the exact build date.
How to find the exact build year on your tractor
Look for a sticker or metal tag and record everything exactly as shown.
- Check under the seat on the fender pan or seat support
- Check the left or right frame rail near the engine
- Look for a model number and a separate serial number (sometimes called product number)
- Clean the tag gently so all digits are readable
- Write down the full serial number before ordering parts or troubleshooting
What the tag information tells us
The model number groups a tractor design; the serial number pinpoints when yours was made.
| What you see on the tag | What it means | What to do with it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number: 917250550 | Identifies the Craftsman tractor model family | Use it to pull the correct parts diagrams |
| Serial number / product ID | Identifies the specific unit and build run | Use it to determine the exact year |
Why it matters
The build year affects which electrical switches, belts, and steering parts fit your exact tractor. For example, a PTO switch or deck drive setup can vary by production run even when the model number is the same.
Parts you may need once you confirm the build run
If you are repairing or refreshing common wear items, these are examples of parts listed for model 917250550:
- Switch 582107601 (PTO switch)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (replacement key)
- Fuel tank assembly 532151346 (fuel tank)
- Lawn tractor lawn mower secondary v-belt 532137153 (ground drive belt)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor drive belt, 1/2 x 83-3/4 in 532139573 (blade drive belt)
For ordering, we recommend using the parts list for model 917250550 first; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
