Owner’s manual
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Do Craftsman mowers use Briggs and Stratton engines?
Yes. The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272673 uses a Briggs engine; the owner’s manual lists Briggs engine model 31C707, type 0230-E1 for this tractor. For your exact engine identification and service specs, use the 917272673 owner's manual.
How to confirm what engine is on your Craftsman mower
We recommend matching the engine information in three places so you order the right tune-up and fuel system parts.
- Check the engine ID label on the blower housing or valve cover area (model, type, code)
- Compare it to the engine listing in the 917272673 owner's manual
- Use the tractor model number 917272673 when looking up parts diagrams
- If the engine has been replaced, use the engine’s model and type (not just the tractor model)
What “Briggs model and type” means
Briggs engines are commonly identified by both a model number and a type number. On this tractor, the manual calls out:
| Item | What you’ll see | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model | 31C707 | Identifies the engine family and major design |
| Type number | 0230-E1 | Narrows down exact carburetor, starter, and gasket variations |
| Tractor model | 917272673 | Ensures chassis and deck parts match (belts, blades, steering) |
Why it matters when ordering parts
Engine brand and exact engine ID affect fit and performance for common repairs like carburetor service, starter replacement, and air filter selection. Tractor model identification affects deck and drive components.
If you’re servicing the 42-inch deck on this tractor, common wear items include blades and the ground drive belt; examples from this model’s parts list include the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 and the v-belt 532138255.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a lawn mower engine?
On the Craftsman 917272673 front-engine lawn tractor, the engine is built from fuel, air, ignition, and rotating internal components that work together to create power; it also includes cooling and exhaust parts that protect the engine during mowing. For model-specific service details, use the 917272673 owner's manual.
Main engine parts (what they do)
- Fuel system: fuel tank, fuel lines, in-line fuel filter, carburetor
- Air intake: air filter, intake path to the carburetor
- Ignition: ignition coil (armature), spark plug(s), flywheel magnets
- Internal rotating group: crankshaft, piston, connecting rod, crankcase
- Starting system: starter motor or recoil starter (varies by engine), solenoid, battery cables
- Cooling and exhaust: blower housing, engine cooling fins, muffler (and spark arrester if equipped)
What the manual calls out for this model
The Craftsman 917272673 manual specifically highlights routine engine-related maintenance items such as:
- Cleaning engine cooling fins to prevent overheating
- Replacing spark plug(s) at the beginning of each mowing season or every 100 hours
- Replacing the in-line fuel filter once each season (and sooner if clogged)
- Inspecting the muffler and replacing it if corroded
Quick reference: common engine systems
| System | Key parts | Common symptom when there is a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel delivery | Fuel tank, fuel filter, carburetor | Hard starting, surging, stalls under load |
| Air intake | Air filter | Black smoke, loss of power, rough running |
| Ignition | Spark plug, ignition coil, flywheel | No-start, misfire, backfiring |
| Cooling | Blower housing, cooling fins | Overheating, power drop, engine damage risk |
Why it matters
Knowing which system a part belongs to helps you troubleshoot faster and buy the right replacement parts. For example, a clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow to the carburetor, while dirty cooling fins can overheat the engine even if it runs normally at first.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find the Craftsman lawn mower model number?
On your Craftsman lawn tractor, the model number is printed on the product identification label; for this unit it appears as 917.272673 in the documentation. Use that full model number when ordering parts to match the correct deck, belts, and drivetrain components.
Where to look on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor
Check these common spots first (clean off grass and dirt so the label is readable):
- Under the seat on the seat pan or seat bracket
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail, usually near the engine or battery area
- Near the footrest area on the left or right side of the frame
- Under the hood near the dash tower (less common)
If the label is missing or damaged, confirm the model from the documentation you have for the tractor, such as the 917272673 owner's manual.
What number to use (and what to ignore)
Riding mowers can have several numbers on them. For parts lookup, we use the model number first.
| What you see | Example | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917.272673 | Correct parts diagrams and part compatibility |
| Engine model/type | Varies by engine brand | Engine-specific parts (filters, carb parts) |
| Serial number | Varies | Manufacturing identification, not primary for parts lookup |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong items for your configuration, such as a 42-inch mower deck blade, a ground drive V-belt, or transaxle components. Even small model-number changes can affect deck hardware, belt routing, and steering parts.
Last updated: February 2026
