Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917288340, a full engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and whether related items (belts, wiring, fuel parts) also need service. Plan on roughly 6 hours of labor for many riding mower engine swaps.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price: New replacement engines vary widely by horsepower, crankshaft size, and emissions configuration.
- Labor time: Riding mower engines take longer than walk-behind engines because of wiring, throttle/choke linkages, and drive system clearances.
- Extra parts and supplies: Fuel line, clamps, oil, filter, spark plug, and sometimes a drive belt or electrical parts.
- Condition of the tractor: Rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, or worn pulleys can add time.
Quick cost breakdown (typical ranges)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,500+ | Varies by HP and crank specs |
| Labor | $200 to $700+ | Often based on ~6 hours |
| Fluids and tune-up items | $20 to $120 | Oil, filter, plug, fuel filter |
| “While you’re in there” parts | $0 to $150+ | Belts, solenoid, switch, etc. |
When replacement makes sense vs. repair
Engine replacement is usually the right call when compression is low, the crankshaft is damaged, or internal wear is severe. If the engine clicks but will not start, we troubleshoot the starting circuit first because the fix is often electrical, not a full engine. The 917288340 owner's manual includes troubleshooting guidance such as checking the battery, wiring, and starter/solenoid.
Common “no start” parts that can mimic a bad engine
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (clicking, no crank)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 (intermittent start, no power to starter)
- Battery cables/terminals (corrosion, loose connections)
- Safety interlock switches and wiring (seat/brake/PTO circuits)
Why it matters
Replacing an engine is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming whether the problem is fuel, spark, compression, or the starting circuit helps you avoid paying for an engine when a solenoid, switch, or wiring repair restores normal operation.
If you decide to move forward, you can order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for 917288340, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917288340 uses a low-emission gasoline engine; the exact engine manufacturer and engine model code are identified on the engine data tag (model, type, and code). Use the 917288340 owner's manual to match your tractor configuration and operating specs.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917288340
Use the engine’s data tag to pinpoint the correct engine family and service parts.
- Turn the key off, remove it, and let the engine cool
- Lift the hood and find the engine label (commonly on the blower housing or near the starter)
- Write down the full model/type/code (not just horsepower)
- Use those numbers when selecting engine maintenance parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter)
- Keep the numbers with your records for future tune-ups and repairs
What the manual tells you vs. what the engine tag tells you
The manual confirms tractor setup and safe operation; the engine tag confirms the exact engine build.
| Detail | Best source | Why you use it |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model: 917288340 | Manual cover/product ID | Matching tractor-specific parts and procedures |
| Operating controls and safety systems | Manual | Correct starting, mowing, and safety interlock use |
| Exact engine model/type/code | Engine data tag | Correct engine tune-up parts and settings |
| Engine service items (oil, plug, filter intervals) | Manual + engine tag | Proper maintenance schedule and correct parts |
Why it matters
Different engines can be installed across similar Craftsman tractor platforms. The engine model/type/code ensures you get the right ignition, fuel, and air-maintenance parts so the tractor starts easily and runs at full power.
Related parts that affect starting (clicks, no-crank)
If the engine clicks but does not crank, these model-compatible parts are common suspects:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (routes battery power to the starter)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 (key switch start/run contacts)
- Battery cables and terminals (clean and tighten)
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917288340 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917288340 made?
Craftsman model 917288340 was produced across multiple years (it was not a one-year-only tractor). The exact build year for your specific unit is identified on the tractor’s product/serial number label; we use that label information to match the correct parts and specifications in the 917288340 owner's manual.
How to find the build year on your tractor
Check the product identification label (commonly under the seat or on the rear fender area). Look for:
- Model number: 917288340
- Serial number (unique to your tractor)
- Date code or manufacturing information (varies by production run)
- Engine information (helpful for tune-up and starting issues)
What to do with the serial number
Once you have the serial number, use it to confirm the correct configuration for your tractor when ordering parts or troubleshooting.
- Match the correct deck and drive components before buying belts or blades
- Confirm the correct electrical parts if you have a no-crank or click-no-start symptom
- Verify the correct steering and axle parts if you have looseness or wheel wobble
Common parts that vary by production run
Even within the same model family, parts can differ by serial range. Here are examples from the parts list for this model:
| System | Example part | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Mower deck | Lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701 | Blade spindle support, cut quality, vibration |
| Blades | Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 | Bagging performance, lift, discharge |
| Starting | Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 | Clicks but won’t crank, intermittent starting |
| Drive | Lawn tractor drive belt 532125907 | Forward/reverse movement, slipping, squeal |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct build year and serial range helps us avoid mismatched parts (especially belts, blades, and electrical components). That saves time during repairs and helps your Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor cut evenly and start reliably.
You can also search by model number and shop parts beyond the list shown for this tractor on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman engines are made by several engine manufacturers, depending on the specific tractor or mower model. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917288340, the operator manual identifies it as a 20.0 HP tractor (as rated by the engine manufacturer); the exact engine brand is typically confirmed by the engine ID label and the engine section of the 917288340 owner's manual.
How to identify who made your engine (fast and accurate)
Use the engine’s ID tag, not the hood decal.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine identification label (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code/spec numbers
- Match those numbers to the engine maker’s format (common makers include Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki)
- Use the engine model/type to choose the correct tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, oil filter)
- Keep the numbers with your maintenance records for future parts lookups
Common engine makers you’ll see on Craftsman riding tractors
Craftsman has used multiple suppliers over the years; which one you have depends on the tractor’s build and engine spec.
| Engine maker | Where you’ll usually see it | What the ID tag helps you find |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Many Craftsman lawn tractors | Exact carburetor, ignition, and tune-up parts |
| Kohler | Some mid to higher HP tractors | Correct filters, starter parts, charging parts |
| Kawasaki | Some premium models | Correct air filter, fuel parts, and ignition parts |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917288340) tells us the chassis and deck family, but the engine maker and spec determine the correct maintenance parts and many repair parts. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong spark plug, air filter, or starter components.
Parts you may replace during normal maintenance
Your manual lists blades, belts, and filters as common wear items. For this model’s 42-inch deck and drive system, these page-listed parts are examples of common replacements:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 for bagging and strong lift
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 when mulching (verify blade style matches your deck setup)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor belt, 1/2 x 101-1/6-in 592855001 if the deck or drive belt is worn or slipping
If you’re ordering by model number or building a full maintenance list, we also support model-based search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
