Craftsman 917258863 tractor Parts

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917258863, the owner’s manual lists the engine model as KOHLER CV18S-PS61555 (an 18.5 HP twin-cylinder, electric-start setup). Use the engine model number on the blower housing when ordering engine-specific parts or service.

How to confirm the engine on your tractor

We recommend verifying the engine model on the tractor itself so you match the correct carburetor, starter, and ignition parts.

• Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label on the blower housing
• Match the engine model number exactly (letters and numbers)
• Use the tractor model plate under the seat for the tractor model number
• Reference the parts diagrams and specs in the 917258863 owner's manual

What the manual says for model 917258863

Here are the key identifiers you will typically use when ordering parts.

Item	Where to find it	Example for this tractor
Tractor model number	Model plate under the seat	917258863
Engine model number	Engine blower housing	CV18S-PS61555

Why it matters

Many Craftsman riding mowers share similar frames and mower decks, but engine families vary. Using the correct engine model number helps prevent ordering the wrong ignition switch, PTO switch, fuel system parts, or tune-up items.

Related parts you may see referenced during troubleshooting

If you are diagnosing a no-start or no-crank condition, these tractor-level parts are commonly involved (separate from the engine itself):

• PTO safety circuit and engagement control (see switch.pto.3 582107601)
• Key switch and start circuit (see lawn tractor ignition switch 532140301)
• Battery and cables (battery specs are listed in the manual)

Last updated: January 2026

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917258863, the engine is identified in the 917258863 owner's manual as Kohler CV18S-PS61555. Kohler engines and their components are produced through a mix of U.S. and global manufacturing, so the most accurate way to confirm origin is by checking the engine’s own ID tag on the blower housing.

How to identify the exact engine on your tractor

We recommend matching what you see on the tractor to what’s listed in the documentation.

• Lift the seat and confirm the tractor model plate shows 917258863
• Locate the engine model number on the blower housing (engine shroud)
• Record the full engine model and spec numbers (letters and dashes matter)
• Compare your numbers to the engine model listed in the manual
• Use the engine model and spec to order the correct tune-up and fuel system parts

What “made” can mean for mower engines

Engine origin is often a combination of where parts are made and where the engine is assembled.

Label you see	What it usually indicates	Where to look
“Made in …”	Final manufacturing country	Engine label or tag
“Assembled in …”	Final assembly location	Engine label or carton
Model/spec numbers	Exact configuration for parts matching	Blower housing tag

Why it matters

Knowing the exact engine model (not just “Craftsman”) helps you get the right maintenance parts and avoid fit issues. For example, starting and PTO engagement problems can also involve tractor-side components like the pto switch 582107601, so confirming both tractor and engine identification prevents ordering the wrong repair parts.

Last updated: January 2026

Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917258863 are typically equipped with engines supplied by major small-engine manufacturers (most commonly Briggs & Stratton, and also Kohler or Kawasaki, depending on the specific tractor and engine model). For your exact maker, match the engine’s model number on the blower housing to the manufacturer.

How to identify the engine manufacturer on 917258863

Use the tractor’s documentation and the engine ID tag to confirm what you have.

• Locate the tractor model plate under the seat (this confirms the tractor is 917258863).
• Locate the engine model number on the blower housing (this identifies the engine maker).
• Compare the engine model and type/code format to the manufacturer’s style (Briggs, Kohler, Kawasaki).
• Use the engine model number when ordering tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter).
• Keep the engine ID clean and readable; it is needed for service and parts lookup.

Reference: 917258863 owner's manual

Quick ID guide: what the label usually tells you

What you read on the engine	What it’s used for	Why it matters
Engine model number	Identifies the engine family	Ensures correct parts and specs
Type / trim code	Identifies configuration	Prevents wrong carburetor or ignition parts
Code / serial	Build date and revision	Helps match updates and service bulletins

Why it matters

Craftsman is the equipment brand, but the engine is its own product with its own model number. Using the engine model number (not just the tractor model) is the fastest way to get the right maintenance parts and service information.

Last updated: January 2026

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917258863 typically costs about $800 to $3,000 total (engine plus labor), depending on engine brand/HP, whether the wiring and pulleys transfer over cleanly, and local shop rates. Engine swaps on riding tractors are labor-heavy compared to tune-ups.

What drives the total price

• Engine cost: commonly $500 to $2,000+ for a complete replacement engine
• Labor time: commonly 4 to 8 hours for a riding tractor engine swap
• Shop rate: often $90 to $160 per hour
• Extra parts: belts, pulleys, fuel line, clamps, battery cables, and hardware as needed
• Pickup/delivery: some shops add transport fees

Typical cost ranges (parts + labor)

Scenario	What’s included	Typical total
Basic swap	Engine replacement only, minimal extras	$800 to $1,800
Average swap	Engine + a few wear items and adjustments	$1,200 to $2,400
Complex swap	Extra parts, seized fasteners, wiring/fuel issues	$1,800 to $3,000+

Before you replace the engine

We recommend ruling out common “no-start” causes first, because they are far cheaper than an engine:

• Weak battery or poor battery connections
• Blown fuse or safety interlock issue
• Bad ignition switch or PTO switch
• Fuel delivery problems (stale fuel, clogged line)
• Ignition or compression issues that can be corrected with service

For model-specific maintenance and starting checks, use the 917258863 owner’s manual.

Why it matters

An engine replacement can exceed the value of an older riding mower. Confirming the real failure (engine vs. electrical, fuel, or safety circuit) helps you avoid spending engine-swap money on a fix that only needed a tune-up.

Last updated: January 2026