Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 917250250 typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, labor rates, and whether related items (battery cables, belts, pulleys) also need service. Use the 917250250 owner's manual to confirm engine specs and service procedures.
What drives the total replacement cost?
- Engine price (new or remanufactured; horsepower and shaft size matter)
- Labor time (riding tractors commonly take longer than walk-behind mowers)
- Extra parts discovered during removal (worn belts, idlers, wiring)
- Fuel system cleanup (old fuel, clogged in-line fuel filter)
- Cooling and safety checks after installation (screens, shrouds, interlocks)
Typical cost breakdown (installed)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $200 to $1,400 | Varies most by engine brand/specs |
| Labor | $60 to $400 | Often several hours on riding tractors |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $0 to $200 | Belts, hardware, fuel filter, shop supplies |
Smart checks before you replace the engine
Sometimes a “dead engine” is a starting or drive issue. Before committing to an engine, we recommend:
- Verify battery connections and starting circuit; a weak start can mimic engine failure
- Inspect wiring and switches; a faulty PTO circuit can prevent normal operation
- Check belt routing and pulley condition if symptoms involve blade engagement or drive
- Confirm the engine is not overheating from blocked screens or dirty cooling fins
- Review the troubleshooting steps and maintenance intervals in the 917250250 owner's manual
Parts that are commonly involved in related repairs
If the tractor has no-crank or intermittent starting issues, the starting circuit is often the real problem. A common replacement part is the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802.
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the root cause first helps you avoid replacing a good engine when the real issue is a solenoid, wiring, belt, or maintenance-related overheating.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find my Craftsman model number?
On most Craftsman riding lawn tractors, the model number is printed on a product ID label under the seat or on the frame near the seat. For your Craftsman tractor, you can also confirm the model family in the 917250250 owner's manual.
Where to look on a riding lawn tractor
Check these common label locations first:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look on the underside area)
- On the frame rail near the seat or rear fender
- Near the engine compartment on the chassis (side frame)
- Under the hood area on a frame crossmember
- Near the transaxle area on the frame (rear section)
What to write down (so you get the right parts)
We recommend recording the full ID information exactly as shown on the label:
- Model number (for this page: 917250250)
- Product number (if listed)
- Serial number (helps confirm production run)
Quick check: model number vs. engine information
The tractor model number identifies the mower and chassis; the engine will often have its own separate model and type numbers.
| Item you find | What it identifies | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number (917250250) | Deck, steering, drive system, frame | Ordering most replacement parts |
| Engine model/type code | Engine-specific parts | Tune-up parts, carburetion, ignition |
Why it matters
Using the exact Craftsman model number prevents mismatches in high-variation assemblies like the mower deck, steering linkage, and drive components. It also helps us match you to the correct diagrams and parts list when you order from this model page or search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman model 917250250, the operator’s manual identifies it as a garden tractor with a 26.0 HP engine (horsepower rated by the engine manufacturer). For the exact engine make, model, and service details, we use the specifications section in the owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917250250
The same tractor model can be built with different engine variants over time, so the fastest way to match parts and tune-up specs is to confirm the engine ID on the machine.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label (often on the blower housing or valve cover)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Match those numbers to the engine/specifications pages in the owner's manual
- Use the engine ID when ordering ignition, fuel, and starting parts
- If the label is missing, use the tractor model number 917250250 plus the engine’s physical features (single vs. twin cylinder, filter style, muffler layout) to narrow it down
Common engine-related parts that affect starting and power
If your tractor clicks, cranks slowly, or the PTO will not engage, these model-matched parts are frequent culprits:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (no-crank or clicking symptoms)
- Switch.pto 582107601 (PTO engagement and safety interlock behavior)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor ignition harness 532401104 (intermittent no-start or key-switch circuit issues)
Quick reference: what the manual tells you vs. what you confirm on the tractor
| Item | What we know for 917250250 | What you confirm on the machine |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor rating | 26.0 HP garden tractor | Engine label details |
| Engine brand/model | Not required to operate safely | Engine model/type/code |
| Best source for specs | Manual specifications/maintenance | Engine ID tag |
Why it matters
The engine make and spec determine the correct spark plug, air filter, oil type, and wiring details. Confirming the engine ID also prevents ordering the wrong starting or ignition parts.
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917250250 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers across its riding mower and lawn tractor lineup. For Craftsman model 917250250, the operator’s manual identifies it as a 26.0 HP tractor with a low-emission engine, and the exact engine maker is typically confirmed by the engine ID label and the engine section of the 917250250 owner's manual.
How to identify the engine brand on your 917250250
Check the engine itself, not just the tractor model number. On most front-engine lawn tractors, the engine brand and model are printed on a label on the:
- Blower housing (top shroud) near the recoil or air intake area
- Valve cover area (side of engine)
- Engine block tag near the spark plug or muffler heat shield
- Emissions label (often lists engine family and displacement)
- Owner documentation for engine maintenance specs (oil type, spark plug, air filter)
Common engine brands used on Craftsman lawn tractors
Across Craftsman riding equipment, the most common engine suppliers typically include Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and occasionally Kawasaki (varies by tractor series and production year). Use the engine label to match the correct tune-up and ignition parts.
| What you see on the engine label | What it means for parts lookup | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton model/type/code | Parts are matched by model/type/code | Record all numbers before ordering |
| Kohler model/spec/serial | Parts are matched by spec number | Use spec to avoid wrong carb or starter |
| Kawasaki model/spec | Parts are matched by model and spec | Confirm air filter and plug by spec |
Why it matters
The tractor model number 917250250 helps us match chassis, deck, steering, and electrical parts, but engine service parts (filters, carburetor parts, starter components) are selected by the engine model and spec. This prevents ordering the wrong ignition or starting parts when troubleshooting a no-start or click-no-crank issue.
Parts on this model page that relate to starting and engagement
If your issue is electrical starting or PTO engagement (often confused with an “engine problem”), these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (starter circuit switching)
- Switch.pto 582107601 (PTO engagement and safety logic)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor ignition harness 532401104 (key switch wiring path)
For ordering, use the parts list for model 917250250 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes; replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917250250 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the deck, steering, and drivetrain are still solid and you plan to keep the tractor for several more seasons. If multiple major systems are worn, replacing the tractor is the better value.
Quick decision checklist
- Replace the engine when the deck is straight, the mandrels spin smoothly, and it drives and steers normally.
- Replace the engine when the failure is internal (low compression, rod knock, severe smoking) and tune-up work will not restore power.
- Replace the engine when you can handle the labor and setup (throttle/choke linkages, wiring, belt routing).
- Replace the tractor when the deck is rusted through or cracked, or the transaxle is slipping.
- Replace the tractor when repair cost is 50% or more of a comparable replacement tractor.
What to inspect before spending money
Use the maintenance and troubleshooting guidance in the 917250250 owner’s manual to judge whether the chassis and cutting system are worth saving:
- Deck and cut quality: deck levelness and tire pressure directly affect cut quality.
- Belt and pulley condition: worn belts and frozen idlers can stop blade rotation.
- Overheating causes: blocked grass screen, dirty cooling fins, or missing shrouds lead to engine damage.
- Service safety: stop the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire before repairs.
Cost and effort comparison
| Option | Typical scope | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Tune-up | plug, filters, cleaning | Engine runs but performs poorly |
| Engine replacement | engine plus setup time | Tractor is otherwise dependable |
| Replace tractor | new machine | Multiple major systems are failing |
Parts that commonly come up during “no crank” or “clicking” complaints
If the engine clicks but will not turn over, these parts are frequent fixes on riding tractors:
Why it matters
An engine swap pays off only when it restores a reliable mower; if the deck drive, mandrels, or transaxle are already failing, you can end up chasing expensive problems after the engine is new.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917250250, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
