How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 917276070 typically costs $260 to $1,800 for the engine plus labor. Total price depends on whether you install a direct bolt-on replacement and how many related items (wiring, PTO, belts) need attention; use the 917276070 owner's manual to identify your exact engine configuration before you buy.
What affects the price most
- Engine match: crankshaft size, mounting pattern, and charging system compatibility
- Labor time: most riding-tractor swaps run 4 to 8 hours depending on rust, access, and wiring
- Add-on parts: fuel line items, hardware, oil, filters, and sometimes a new PTO clutch or belts
- Root cause: overheating, low oil, or electrical issues can damage more than the engine
- DIY vs shop: shop rates and diagnostic time vary widely
Typical cost breakdown
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $200 to $1,400 | Long block or complete engine, depending on spec |
| Labor | $240 to $1,200 | 4 to 8 hours at common shop rates |
| Fluids and small parts | $20 to $200 | Oil, filter (if equipped), clamps, hardware |
Parts to inspect while the engine is out
These items commonly cause no-crank, no-start, or “runs but won’t mow” complaints after an engine swap:
- Starting circuit: solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
- PTO engagement: switch.pto 582107601
- Deck drive wear: husqvarna lawn tractor primary blade drive belt, 5/8 x 90-3/32-in 532174368
- Battery cables and grounds (clean and tighten)
- Safety interlock switches and seat/brake linkages (verify operation)
Why it matters
An engine replacement only solves the problem when the replacement engine matches the tractor’s required shaft and electrical specs, and when the starting and safety interlock systems are working correctly. The manual also lists maintenance checks (oil level, air filter, cooling fins) that protect the new engine.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 917276070 is a 26.0 HP garden tractor with a 48-inch mower and electric start. To identify the exact engine make and model installed on your tractor, match the engine ID label (model, type, code) to the specifications and service information in the owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on model 917276070
Use the engine’s ID label to get the details needed for tune-up parts and correct service specs:
- Locate the engine ID label (commonly on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter)
- Write down the model, type, and code exactly as shown
- Use those numbers to select the correct spark plug, air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter
- If the label is dirty, wipe it gently so the numbers stay readable
- Keep 917276070 handy when using parts diagrams for the tractor and attachments
What the tractor manual tells you vs. what the engine label tells you
The tractor documentation describes the tractor configuration; the engine label identifies the exact engine build.
| Item | Where to check | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor rating and configuration (26.0 HP, 48-inch mower, electric start) | Owner’s manual | Correct operating and maintenance schedule for the tractor |
| Engine make and exact model/type/code | Engine ID label | Correct engine-specific parts and settings |
| Starting and control operation | Owner’s manual | Safe, repeatable starting and operation steps |
Why it matters
Engine model and build codes determine which maintenance parts fit and which settings apply (oil type, plug gap, filter style). Confirming the engine ID first prevents wrong-part orders and speeds up troubleshooting.
If you are chasing a no-crank or click-no-start symptom
These model-matched electrical parts are commonly involved in starting issues:
- Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starter clicks but engine does not crank)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (worn key causing intermittent contact)
- Ignition harness 583169601 (damaged wiring causing intermittent no-crank)
For a step-by-step diagnosis, use riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” label by itself is not a single model number; it’s typically an engine horsepower class used across many different Craftsman walk-behind mowers. For the Craftsman tractor covered by this page, the model number is 917276070 (shown on the cover of the owner's manual).
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman 6.75 walk-behind mower
Look for a model tag or sticker on the mower, then match the full model number when ordering parts.
Common places to check:
- Rear of the deck near the discharge chute
- Under the seat area (if it’s a self-propelled with a rear cover)
- On the handle support brackets
- Near the engine mounting area on the deck
- On the frame rail (some variants)
What the numbers usually mean (and what they do not)
“6.75” helps describe the engine class, but it does not uniquely identify the mower. The model number is the key for parts lookup.
| What you have | Example | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Engine label | 6.75 | General engine class, not a parts identifier |
| Mower model number | 917.XXXXXX | Correct parts diagrams and part compatibility |
| Engine model/type/code | (varies by engine) | Engine-specific parts like carburetor or air filter |
Why it matters for parts and repairs
Using the wrong model number can lead to ordering the wrong blade, belt, drive parts, or safety components. For this page’s tractor (Craftsman 917276070), the owner's manual also lists detailed diagrams and part references for assemblies like the mower deck.
If you are actually asking about this tractor model
If your question is about the Craftsman 917276070 riding tractor (26.0 HP, 48-inch mower deck), use the parts list for this model. Common deck-related items shown for this model include the lawn tractor blade idler pulley 532177968 and the lawn tractor gauge wheel 589527301.
Last updated: February 2026





