Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 917288131, a full engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and any extra parts needed (battery cables, belts, hardware). Plan on about 6 hours of labor for a riding mower engine swap.
- Engine price (new vs. rebuilt, horsepower, crankshaft size and length)
- Labor rate at the shop and local market pricing
- Extra parts discovered during removal (worn belts, pulleys, wiring)
- Fuel system cleanup if old fuel or debris is present
- Electrical starting issues that show up after installation (battery, solenoid, switch)
Even when you are replacing the engine, we often see these related items addressed because they affect starting, deck operation, or reliability:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Husqvarna lawn tractor blade drive belt 584453101
- Lawn tractor blade idler pulley 532177968
- Lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,400 | Varies by spec and availability |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | About 6 hours is common |
| Misc. parts/fluids | $20 to $250 | Belts, hardware, oil, filter, fuel line |
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. If the tractor also has deck issues (poor cut, vibration, blades not rotating), addressing wear items like the blade drive belt, idler pulley, or mandrel components at the same time helps prevent repeat downtime.
Our guidance from the model documentation is to stop the engine, remove the key, disengage the blades, and wait for all moving parts to stop before cleaning or servicing the tractor. For model-specific procedures and specs, use the owner's manual.
You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917288131 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 917288131, the operator’s manual identifies it as a low-emission, gasoline engine tractor and lists the tractor as a 20.0 HP, 46-inch mower configuration. For the exact engine make and model (such as Briggs & Stratton vs. other), we use the engine ID details shown in the 917288131 owner's manual.
We match the correct engine by using the engine’s identification label, not just the tractor model number.
- Look for the engine ID label on the engine shroud, valve cover area, or near the starter
- Record the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Compare those numbers to the engine section in the 917288131 owner's manual
- Use the engine ID when ordering tune-up and starting parts
- If the tractor has been repowered, the engine ID label is the only reliable match
This description is the tractor’s configuration; it helps narrow parts and maintenance procedures, but it does not guarantee a single engine brand.
| Item | What it means for you | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| 20.0 HP rating | Power class for this tractor setup | Engine ID label for exact make/model |
| Low-emission engine | May run differently than older designs | Follow starting and throttle guidance in the manual |
| 46-inch mower deck | Deck size used for belt, blade, and mandrel parts | Deck parts list for your model |
Using the correct engine identification prevents wrong-part orders and speeds up troubleshooting for no-start, hard-start, or poor-running issues. It also ensures you follow the right maintenance schedule and oil, air filter, and spark plug recommendations.
If your tractor clicks, will not crank, or has intermittent starting, these model-listed parts are common checks:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Husqvarna lawn tractor ignition harness 532401098
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917288131 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was the Craftsman 917288131 made?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917288131 was sold across multiple production runs, not a single model year. We use the product identification label (model and serial) to pinpoint the exact build date; the 917288131 owner's manual shows the model family and where to reference identification details.
Check the product identification label, then use the serial information to determine the build date.
- Look under the seat first; many Craftsman tractors place the ID label there.
- Also check the rear fender pan, frame rail, or engine compartment area.
- Write down the model number (917288131) and the serial number exactly as shown.
- If the label is dirty, wipe it gently so every digit is readable.
- Keep a photo of the label for parts lookups and service records.
For many Craftsman 917-prefix tractors, the model number identifies the configuration (deck size, transmission type, starting system), while the serial number is what narrows it down to a specific production date.
| What you have | What it tells you | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Model number: 917288131 | Tractor configuration | Ordering the correct parts |
| Serial number | Production timing | Determining the year |
| Engine model/type | Engine configuration | Engine-specific maintenance parts |
The exact year affects parts compatibility for common wear items like the mower deck drive system and electrical starting components. For example, if you are troubleshooting a no-crank condition, matching the correct ignition and starting parts helps avoid repeat failures.
If you are ordering parts, start with the parts list for model 917288131 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
