How much does it cost to replace a riding mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding mower model 247203744 typically costs $900 to $2,500+ total (engine plus labor), depending on the engine type, whether you choose new vs. used, and how much teardown is required. We usually recommend pricing a repair estimate before ordering major components; your 247203744 owner’s manual can help you confirm basic engine access and safety steps.
What drives the total cost
Engine replacement is one of the biggest repairs on a front-engine lawn tractor because it can involve fuel, electrical, and drive connections.
- Engine price: the largest variable (new OEM-style replacement vs. used or rebuilt)
- Labor time: removal, swap, alignment, and test run
- Extra parts: belts, pulleys, wiring repairs, fuel line clamps, filters, fresh oil
- Shop fees: pickup/delivery, disposal, diagnostics
- Root cause: if the old engine failed due to overheating or oil starvation, related issues may need correction
Typical cost ranges (what you can expect)
These ranges are general for riding mowers like the Craftsman 247203744; exact totals vary by region and engine configuration.
| Scenario | What’s included | Typical total cost |
|---|---|---|
| DIY swap | Engine + your time | $600 to $1,800 |
| Shop installs customer-supplied engine | Labor + shop supplies | $900 to $2,000 |
| Shop supplies and installs engine | Engine + labor + setup | $1,500 to $2,500+ |
Before you replace the engine, check these first
Sometimes a “bad engine” symptom is caused by a smaller issue.
- Verify the battery and starter circuit are healthy
- Check fuel quality and fuel delivery (old gas, clogged filter)
- Inspect air filter and cooling fins for blockage
- Confirm safety interlock switches are working
- If it runs but bogs under load, review why your mower loses power when the blades are engaged
Why it matters
An engine swap can exceed the value of an older tractor, but it can still be the best choice if the deck, transaxle, and steering are in good shape and you want to avoid buying a new mower.
Last updated: January 2026
How to read Craftsman serial number?
For Craftsman model 247203744, the serial number is primarily an identifier for the production run, not a guaranteed “build date” code. Because Craftsman serial formats vary by manufacturer and year, we recommend reading it using the ID label details and the 247203744 owner’s manual.
Where to find the model and serial label
On model 247203744, the model/serial tag is typically on the tractor frame or body near the operator area. Common locations include:
- Under the seat or on the seat pan support
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On a frame rail (left or right side)
- Near the engine compartment on the chassis
How to interpret the serial number (practical approach)
We do not treat Craftsman tractor serial numbers as a universal month-day-year format. Instead, use this checklist:
- Write down the full serial exactly as shown (include letters and dashes).
- Look for a separate “date” or “DOM” field on the same label (some labels include it).
- If the serial starts with letters, those often indicate plant/line codes, not a calendar date.
- If the serial is all digits, it still may be a sequence number rather than a date.
Quick guide to what the serial often means
| Serial number pattern | What it commonly indicates | What not to assume |
|---|---|---|
| Letters + numbers | Factory/line code plus sequence | That the first 6 digits are a date |
| All digits | Production sequence tracking | Exact build day without a label key |
| Very long string | Internal manufacturing identifier | Engine model or deck size |
Why it matters (parts and service)
Your model number (247203744) gets you to the correct diagrams and compatible parts; the serial number helps narrow running changes within that model (for example, wiring routing, decals, or fuel system variations).
If you are replacing fuel system components, match by model and diagram first; for example, confirm fitment against the lawn tractor fuel tank 651P08849 when troubleshooting leaks or fuel delivery issues.
Last updated: January 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman model 247203744 lawn tractors can be equipped with engines sourced from multiple manufacturers, so the exact engine brand on your tractor is identified by the engine’s own ID label and the specifications listed in the 247203744 owner’s manual. In general, Craftsman has commonly used Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki engines across different tractor and mower lines.
How to identify the engine brand on your 247203744
Check the engine itself, not the hood decal.
- Look for an engine data plate or sticker on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter.
- Record the engine brand and the engine model/type code (or spec number).
- Compare that information to the engine section in the 247203744 owner’s manual.
- Use the engine model/type code when buying tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, oil filter).
- If the label is missing, use the tractor’s product ID and parts diagrams to narrow it down.
Common engine brands used on Craftsman lawn tractors
Craftsman has used several engine suppliers over the years; which one you have depends on the production run and configuration.
| Engine brand | Where you’ll usually see it | What to record for parts |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Many residential tractors | Model, type, code |
| Kohler | Some mid-range tractors | Model, spec number |
| Kawasaki | Some higher-output setups | Model, spec number |
Why it matters
The engine brand determines the correct maintenance parts and service specs (oil type/quantity, spark plug gap, air filter style). Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong items even when the tractor model number is correct.
Last updated: January 2026





