Owner’s manual
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Where can I find my lawn mower engine model number?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273350, the engine model number is listed in the tractor documentation and on the engine’s identification label or stamping. For this tractor, the owner’s manual shows a Briggs engine model 31C707 with type number 0230-E1; use that engine model and type when looking up engine parts or tune-up specs in the 917273350 owner's manual.
Where to look on the tractor
Most front-engine riding mowers place the engine ID in one of these spots:
- On a label on the blower housing (the shroud over the flywheel)
- Stamped into the metal on the engine near the valve cover or cylinder head area
- On a tag near the starter, fuel tank, or muffler heat shield
- Sometimes on the side of the engine block, above the PTO (blade) clutch area
What numbers to write down
When you find the ID, record all of these so you get the right parts:
- Engine model (example for this tractor: 31C707)
- Type number (example: 0230-E1)
- Code/date (helps match the exact production version)
Quick ID guide (what each number is for)
| Number on engine ID | What it tells you | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine family/design | Matches major engine parts |
| Type | Exact build configuration | Matches carburetor, ignition, charging parts |
| Code/date | Production date | Helps confirm correct revisions |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractor model numbers identify the chassis and mower deck, but the engine model and type identify the correct Briggs engine parts. Using the engine ID prevents wrong matches for items like starter components, fuel line parts, and tune-up parts.
You can also order tractor parts by model from the parts list for 917273350, or search by model at Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor with a 42-inch mower deck covered by this page, the model number is 917.273350 (commonly written without the dot as 917273350). You can confirm it on the product ID label and in the owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
Check these common locations first:
- Under the seat on the fender pan or seat bracket area
- On the frame near the engine compartment
- Near the rear hitch plate or rear frame rail
- Inside the hood area on the chassis
- In the documentation that came with the tractor (see the owner's manual)
Model number formats you may see
Craftsman model numbers are often shown with or without punctuation. For this tractor, both formats refer to the same model.
| Format you see | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With dot | Manual and parts diagrams often use this | 917.273350 |
| Without dot | Retail listings and labels may omit punctuation | 917273350 |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number ensures you get the right parts and diagrams for your 42-inch deck setup (blades, mandrel parts, deck hardware, and steering components). For example, this model’s 42-inch deck uses parts such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 when you are bagging or side-discharging.
Quick parts match tip (42-inch deck)
If you are confirming you have the 42-inch deck configuration for model 917273350, these parts are commonly associated with the 42-inch mower deck:
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (42-inch mulching blade set application)
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (bagging/side discharge)
- Vented mandrel shaft assembly 532137646 (mandrel shaft)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel housing, 6 in 532128774 (mandrel housing)
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917273350, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273350 uses a Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine; the engine identification in the manual lists Briggs model 31C707-0230-E1. Use that engine model and type when selecting engine tune-up and fuel system parts from diagrams.
Where we get the engine ID
The engine make and model for 917273350 is shown in the engine section of the 917273350 owner's manual.
How to confirm the engine on your tractor
We recommend matching the tractor tag and the engine stamping before ordering engine parts.
- Confirm the tractor model tag reads 917273350
- Find the engine ID stamping on the blower housing, valve cover area, or engine shroud
- Match the stamped model and type to 31C707-0230-E1
- Use the engine breakdown pages to identify gaskets, carburetor parts, and ignition components
- If the engine has been replaced, always match parts to the replacement engine ID (not the tractor model)
What to match by (engine parts vs deck parts)
| What you are replacing | Match by | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Carburetor parts, gaskets, ignition parts | Engine model and type | 31C707-0230-E1 parts lookup |
| Blades, mandrels, deck hardware | Deck size and deck design | 42-inch deck blade pattern |
| Starting system items | Tractor wiring and mounting | Solenoid, key switch, cables |
Common related parts on this model
These are tractor parts (not internal engine parts) that are commonly replaced on 917273350:
- Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starter solenoid for click-no-crank symptoms)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (replacement ignition key)
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (deck blade option)
Why it matters
Using the correct engine model and type prevents wrong-part returns and speeds up troubleshooting for no-start, loss of power, and charging or starting problems.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 917273350 typically costs $600 to $2,500 installed. The total depends on whether you choose a new or rebuilt engine, how much labor is needed, and whether related items (starter, wiring, belts) also need replacement. Use the 917273350 owner's manual for model-specific safety steps and service checks.
What makes the price go up or down
- Engine type: new crate engine vs rebuilt/remanufactured
- Engine fitment: crankshaft diameter/length, mounting pattern, and PTO shaft setup
- Labor time: engine swaps on riding tractors commonly run 4 to 8 hours
- Related repairs: fuel system cleanup, electrical repairs, or deck drive issues found during teardown
- Shop rates and fees: local labor rate, pickup/delivery, and disposal fees
Typical installed cost ranges
| Scenario | Typical total cost | What you are paying for |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuilt/reman engine swap | $600 to $1,600 | Lower engine cost; similar labor |
| New engine swap | $1,200 to $2,500 | Higher engine cost; best long-term reset |
| Diagnosis only (no engine) | $75 to $200 | Testing battery, starter circuit, compression, fuel delivery |
Check these before committing to an engine
Many “bad engine” symptoms come from starting or safety-interlock problems.
- Battery condition and clean, tight cable connections
- Starter solenoid function (clicking with no crank is common); consider solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
- Operator presence and interlock systems (seat switch, brake/clutch switch, PTO switch)
- Fuel quality, fuel filter condition, and carburetor varnish from old fuel
- Basic tune-up items (spark plug, air filter, oil level)
Why it matters
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. A quick diagnosis using the interlock and maintenance checks in the manual prevents unnecessary engine swaps and helps you budget accurately. You can order model-specific parts from the parts list for 917273350 or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917273350 made?
Craftsman model 917273350 was produced in the early-to-mid 2000s; the exact year for your specific tractor is determined from the product identification label (model and serial/date code) on the machine. Use the label details to match the correct parts and diagrams in the 917273350 owner's manual.
Where to find the build date information
On Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the ID label is typically in one of these spots:
- Under the seat on the fender pan/seat deck
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the rear hitch plate or drawbar area
- On a sticker or metal tag listing model and serial information
What to write down from the label
Record these items exactly as shown:
- Model number: 917273350
- Serial number
- Any date code (month/year or a coded date string)
How the serial/date code helps
The serial/date code ties your tractor to the correct production run, which matters because components can vary by run (deck hardware, wiring, and chassis details).
| Label item | What it identifies | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | The tractor platform | Gets you to the right diagrams/manual |
| Serial number | Your exact unit | Confirms the correct configuration |
| Date code (if present) | Build timing | Helps narrow parts variations |
Why it matters
Knowing the exact build year helps prevent fit issues when replacing electrical and deck parts. For example, common items that often get replaced on this model include the molded ignition key 532140403 and the solenoid with brass plunger 532146154.
If you are ordering parts, start with the parts list for model 917273350; for broader model searches, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
