Craftsman 917273180 lawn tractor Parts

On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273180, the engine is a Kohler single-cylinder design; the main engine parts include the air intake and filter, carburetor and fuel system, ignition and spark plug, cylinder head and valves, crankcase and crankshaft, starter/charging components, and the muffler/exhaust.

Core engine parts you will typically see

These are the major assemblies that make the engine run and keep it running smoothly:

• Air intake and filtration: air cleaner base, paper element, foam pre-cleaner
• Fuel system: fuel tank, fuel line, in-line fuel filter, carburetor
• Ignition/electrical: ignition module/coil, wiring, spark plug
• Internal engine: cylinder head, valves, push rods/rocker arms, piston/rings, crankshaft, crankcase
• Lubrication: oil fill/dipstick, oil drain, oil filter (if equipped)
• Exhaust: muffler, heat shields, spark arrester (if equipped)

For the exact component names and exploded views used on 917273180, use the diagrams in the 917273180 owner’s manual.

Parts that are commonly serviced (and why)

Even when the engine itself is fine, these items often cause “won’t start,” “runs rough,” or “loses power” symptoms:

System	Common service item	What it affects
Air	Air filter/pre-cleaner	Starting, power, fuel economy
Fuel	Fuel filter, fuel line, carburetor	Surging, stalling, hard start
Ignition	Spark plug	Misfire, no-start
Lubrication	Oil and oil filter (if equipped)	Engine life, overheating

If your tractor loses power specifically when you engage the mower blades, we recommend reviewing why your mower loses power when the blades are engaged because the cause can be engine-related (air/fuel) or deck-related (belt drag, blade/mandrel resistance).

Why it matters

Knowing the engine “systems” helps you troubleshoot faster. For example, a no-start is often ignition (spark plug) or fuel delivery, while a bogging engine under load can point to airflow restriction, stale fuel, or excessive deck load.

Last updated: January 2026

The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273180 uses a Kohler CV490 single-cylinder gasoline engine (type 27532) rated at 17.5 HP and paired with an automatic transmission. For the exact operating and maintenance details, use the 917273180 owner's manual.

What we can confirm for model 917273180

From the model-specific documentation, this tractor is identified as a 17.5 HP, 42-inch mower with electric start and automatic transmission.

Key engine-related specs called out for this model include:

• Engine family/model: Kohler CV490 (type 27532)
• Spark plug: Champion RC12YC (gap 0.040 in.)
• Fuel: Unleaded regular gasoline (minimum 87 octane)
• Oil type: SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) or SAE 5W30 (below 32°F)
• Oil capacity: 4.0 pints with filter, 3.5 pints without filter

Quick engine identification tips (on the tractor)

If you are verifying what is installed on your unit, we recommend checking:

• The engine shroud label (often shows Kohler model and spec/type)
• The valve cover area and starter side for stamped ID tags
• The tractor model tag (confirms you have model 917273180)

Common engine types you may see on Craftsman riders (general guidance)

Craftsman riding mowers can be built with different engine brands depending on model and production year. Here is a quick comparison:

Engine brand	Typical configuration	Where you will see it
Kohler	Single-cylinder or V-twin	Many Craftsman lawn tractors (including 917273180)
Briggs & Stratton	Single-cylinder or V-twin	Many Craftsman riders and lawn tractors
Kawasaki	Often V-twin	Some higher-end lawn and garden tractors

Why it matters

Knowing the exact engine model helps you choose the correct tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter) and follow the right oil and maintenance schedule. That prevents hard starting, power loss, and premature engine wear.

Last updated: January 2026

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273180, we use high-quality detergent engine oil rated API SG-SL; the recommended viscosity is SAE 10W30 above 32°F and SAE 5W30 below 32°F. See the 917273180 owner's manual for the full oil and maintenance specifications.

Recommended oil for model 917273180

Use these oil types based on outdoor temperature:

• SAE 10W30 for temperatures above 32°F
• SAE 5W30 for temperatures below 32°F
• Choose a detergent oil with API service classification SG-SL
• Do not overfill; keep the level at the FULL mark on the dipstick
• Change oil more often in high heat, dusty conditions, or heavy mowing loads

Oil capacity (how much oil it takes)

Your 917273180 tractor’s engine oil capacity depends on whether it has an oil filter installed.

Configuration	Oil capacity
With oil filter	4.0 pints
Without oil filter	3.5 pints

Quick tips for checking and changing oil

We recommend these basics to avoid hard starting and premature engine wear:

• Park on level ground before checking oil
• Check oil before each use and about every 8 hours of operation
• Drain oil when the engine is warm (it flows out faster)
• Keep dirt out of the fill tube when removing the cap/dipstick
• Replace the drain cap securely after draining

For a step-by-step walkthrough, use how to change the oil in a riding lawn mower video.

Why it matters

Using the correct viscosity oil helps your Kohler engine in model 917273180 lubricate properly at startup and under load. Too-thick oil in cold weather can cause slow cranking; too-thin oil in heat can increase wear.

Last updated: January 2026