Carburetor for Craftsman 247.288851 247.289010
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Quick Verdict
The Carburetor for Craftsman 42″ 46″ Riding Lawn Tractor – OEM Replacement is a budget-friendly fix (around $24) for Craftsman riding mowers that are hard to start, surge, stall under load, or run rough at idle. It covers a long list of model numbers (247.288851, 247.289010, 247.203730, and more), ships with a gasket and fuel hose, and carries a strong 4.8/5 rating from early buyers. The main caveat: the review count is small (11 reviews), and fitment must be verified against your model number before ordering.
Bottom line: If your compatible Craftsman tractor shows classic fuel-delivery symptoms and you’re comfortable with basic small-engine work, this carburetor is one of the cheapest ways to revive the machine without a service call.
Key Specs
| Product | Carburetor for Craftsman 42″ 46″ Riding Lawn Tractor – OEM Replacement |
| Type | Replacement carburetor kit |
| Price | ~$24 |
| Compatible Models | Craftsman 247.288851, 247.289010, 247.203730, 247.203740, 247.288852, 247.288842, 247.203744, 247.28902, 247.288810, 247.288853 |
| Fits Deck Sizes | 42″ and 46″ Craftsman riding lawn tractors |
| Package Includes | 1 carburetor, 1 gasket, 1 fuel hose, plus items shown in listing images |
| Customer Rating | 4.8 / 5 (11 reviews) |
| Best For | DIY repair of out-of-warranty Craftsman tractors with hard-start or stalling symptoms |
Planning a broader tune-up? Our Craftsman riding mower steering kit guide covers another common wear item worth checking while the mower is on the lift. And if you’re handling routine maintenance too, see do Craftsman lawn mowers have oil filters for the quick answer.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable repair – around $24 versus a technician’s diagnostic fee or a new tractor.
- Broad model compatibility – covers ten common Craftsman 247-series model numbers across 42″ and 46″ decks.
- Bundled accessories – includes a gasket and fuel hose so you’re not stuck mid-repair waiting on small parts.
- Strong user feedback – a 4.8-star average suggests buyers are getting a proper fit and function.
- Extends mower life – a carb swap can add seasons of use to an otherwise healthy machine.
- DIY-friendly – installation is within reach of a patient homeowner with basic hand tools.
Cons
- Small review sample – 11 reviews is encouraging but limited data.
- Fitment must be verified – you need to match your exact model number before ordering.
- Not a guaranteed fix – if the real problem is a bad fuel pump, clogged filter, or stale gas, the carburetor won’t solve it.
- Aftermarket, not factory-packaged – quality can vary compared to an official OEM part from a dealer.
- Some mechanical skill required – linkage setup and idle adjustments may frustrate complete beginners.
Who Should Buy This Carburetor?
This replacement makes the most sense for owners of out-of-warranty Craftsman tractors whose engines show fuel-related symptoms: hard starting, rough or surging idle, hesitation under load, or stalling after running a few minutes. For homeowners, freelancers, and anyone who depends on their mower to keep a property in shape, a $24 part that restores reliability is an easy investment — far cheaper than a service call, which often starts at $75–$100 just for diagnosis.
Before you order, confirm your model number (usually on a sticker under the seat or on the frame) against the compatibility list above. If your model appears — 247.288851, 247.289010, 247.203730, 247.203740, 247.288852, 247.288842, 247.203744, 247.28902, 247.288810, or 247.288853 — this carburetor should be a direct replacement.
Installation Tips for Best Results
- Run the tank nearly empty or shut off the fuel valve before disconnecting the fuel line.
- Photograph the linkage with your phone before removing the old carburetor — spring and rod placement is the #1 reassembly mistake.
- Use the included gasket rather than reusing the old one; air leaks at the mounting flange cause surging.
- Replace the fuel hose (one is included) — old hose can shed debris that re-clogs the new carb.
- Drain old fuel from the tank and use fresh gasoline; stale fuel is a leading cause of carburetor failure.
- Expect to adjust the idle mixture slightly after install for a smooth, steady rpm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this carburetor fit my specific Craftsman model?
It fits a defined list of Craftsman 247-series tractors, including 247.288851, 247.289010, 247.203730, 247.203740, 247.288852, 247.288842, 247.203744, 247.28902, 247.288810, and 247.288853. Locate the model number sticker on your machine (typically under the seat) and confirm it matches before purchasing.
What’s included in the box?
The package includes 1 carburetor, 1 gasket, 1 fuel hose, and other items shown in the product images. The bundled gasket and fuel line save you a separate order and help ensure an airtight install.
Is this a genuine OEM part or aftermarket?
It’s marketed as an OEM-replacement (aftermarket) carburetor built to match factory fit and function. The 4.8-star rating indicates most buyers find it performs as expected, but it is not a factory-packaged part from a Craftsman dealer.
Can I install it myself, or do I need a mechanic?
Most DIYers with basic hand tools can complete the swap in 30–60 minutes. The key steps are disconnecting the fuel line, removing the air filter housing, photographing the linkage, swapping the carb, and reassembling. If you’ve never touched a small engine, the linkage setup is the trickiest part — take photos before disassembly.
Will a new carburetor fix my mower if it still won’t start?
Not always. A carburetor fixes fuel-metering problems — surging, rough idle, stalling, hard starts. If the issue is a bad spark plug, faulty ignition coil, clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pump, or weak battery, a new carburetor won’t help. Diagnose the symptom first, or replace the cheapest consumables (plug, filter, fresh gas) before ordering.
How long does a replacement carburetor typically last?
With clean fuel and proper storage (fuel stabilized or drained before winter), a replacement carburetor commonly lasts several seasons. The most common failure cause is varnish buildup from ethanol-blended fuel left sitting in the bowl over the off-season.
Final Verdict
At roughly $24 with a 4.8-star rating and a generous compatibility list, the Carburetor for Craftsman 42″ 46″ Riding Lawn Tractor is a low-risk, high-reward repair for a struggling riding mower. Verify your model number, take photos of the linkage before you start, and this part can restore easy starting and smooth running for a fraction of the cost of professional service — or a new tractor.
