By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a Craftsman lawn mower model 247 won’t start, the cause is often a worn or broken part in the starting system, and a replacement can get the mower running again without buying a new machine. Model 247 numbers appear on many Craftsman push and self-propelled mowers and riding units, so fit matters more than brand or appearance. This guide compares five replacement options and explains how to match them to your mower using the part number, engine type and starting method.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRecoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman 247.377050 247377050 Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for riding mowers with electric startStarter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1500 247.288810 247.288812 DView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for 159cc enginesfor Craftsman 159cc Lawn Mower 247.377300 Model 12ABB22J799 Recoil Pull StarterView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickRecoil Starter Assembly For Sears Craftsman Lawn Mower 247.374320View on Amazon - 5
Best for a complete recoil swapRecoil Starter kit for Craftsman Model 247.374301 Lawn MowerView on Amazon
Our selection method is research-based. We looked at how each listing identifies the part numbers and engine types it is meant for, how well the product type matches common starting failures, and the general patterns owners tend to report about fit and durability. We did not test these parts ourselves, so confirm fitment against your own mower before ordering.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman 247.377050 | Owners matching a 247.377050 model number | Recoil assembly listed for a specific 247 part number |
| Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1500 247.288810 | Riding mowers with electric start | Starter motor for Briggs & Stratton-powered riding units |
| Craftsman 159cc Recoil Pull Starter 247.377300 | 159cc engine owners | Recoil pull starter matched to a 159cc engine |
| Recoil Starter Assembly For Sears Craftsman 247.374320 | Budget-minded repairs | Lower-cost recoil replacement for a 247 model |
| Recoil Starter kit for Craftsman Model 247.374301 | Full recoil replacement | Kit form with starter hardware for model 247.374301 |
Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman 247.377050 247377050 Lawn Mower
Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman 247.377050 247377050 Lawn Mower
Best for: Owners who have confirmed their mower carries part number 247.377050 or 247377050
This is the most direct match if your mower’s engine data plate or the old starter assembly shows that number. Matching the part number is the single most important step with any Craftsman replacement.
Key specs
- Recoil starter assembly for Craftsman 247.377050 / 247377050
- Replacement for a rope-pull starting system on a push mower
Pros
- Listed against a specific Craftsman part number, which simplifies fit checks
- Covers the whole pull-start assembly rather than a single component
- Straightforward to compare against the original part
Cons
- Fitment depends entirely on matching the part number
- Installation may require removing the blower housing or shroud on some models
Bottom line: The best starting point if your mower’s part number matches. Verify before you order.
Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1500 247.288810 247.288812 DLT 3000 917.275820 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Engine
Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1500 247.288810 247.288812 DLT 3000 917.275820 917.273821 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Engine
Best for: Riding mowers with electric start that crank slowly, click or do nothing when the key is turned
Riding units with an electric starter are a different problem from push mowers with a recoil cord. If the engine turns over slowly or not at all, a starter motor is a common suspect. Check the battery and connections first.
Key specs
- Starter motor for Craftsman LT1500, DLT 3000 and related riding models
- Listed for Briggs & Stratton engine applications
Pros
- Addresses the electric start circuit on riding mowers
- Lists several compatible Craftsman part numbers
- Clear engine-type match on the listing
Cons
- Not relevant to push mowers that use a recoil starter
- Installation involves battery disconnection and wiring work
Bottom line: Pick this only if your 247 model is a riding mower with an electric starter and the battery tests good.
for Craftsman 159cc Lawn Mower 247.377300 Model 12ABB22J799 Recoil Pull Starter
for Craftsman 159cc Lawn Mower 247.377300 Model 12ABB22J799 Recoil Pull Starter
Best for: Owners of 159cc Craftsman engines who need a recoil pull starter
Engine displacement is a useful filter. A recoil starter must match the engine’s shaft and mounting, and the listing ties this unit to a 159cc engine and a specific model code.
Key specs
- Recoil pull starter listed for 159cc Craftsman engines
- Listed part number 247.377300 and model code 12ABB22J799
Pros
- Engine displacement and model code give a clear fitment check
- Complete pull starter rather than a loose cord
- Useful when the original starter is cracked or the cord will not retract
Cons
- Only suitable if your engine is actually 159cc
- Owners with a different engine size will need a different part
Bottom line: A strong choice for 159cc engines. Check the engine label before buying.
Recoil Starter Assembly For Sears Craftsman Lawn Mower 247.374320
Recoil Starter Assembly For Sears Craftsman Lawn Mower 247.374320
Best for: Budget-minded repairs on push mowers with a recoil starter
When the cord snaps or the spring loses tension, a recoil assembly replacement is often the cheapest fix. This listing is aimed at the Sears Craftsman 247 family, which includes many older push mowers.
Key specs
- Recoil starter assembly for Sears Craftsman 247.374320
- Designed for push-mower recoil starting systems
Pros
- Practical option for a common cord-and-spring failure
- Labeled with a specific part number for matching
- Simple swap on many push mower layouts
Cons
- Older Sears-branded numbering can be confusing, so cross-check carefully
- Spring and pulley quality can vary between aftermarket units
Bottom line: A sensible pick for owners of older 247 push mowers with a broken recoil cord or spring.
Recoil Starter kit for Craftsman Model 247.374301 Lawn Mower
Recoil Starter kit for Craftsman Model 247.374301 Lawn Mower
Best for: Owners who want a full recoil replacement with kit hardware
A kit can save a second trip to the parts store if the old starter’s mounting screws or pawls are worn. Match the model number before buying.
Key specs
- Recoil starter kit listed for Craftsman model 247.374301
- Kit format for a complete starter replacement
Pros
- Kit format covers more of the starting hardware
- Specific model number on the listing aids fit checks
- Useful when several starter components are worn
Cons
- Costs more in parts than a single assembly, even if the price is not the deciding factor
- Kit contents can overlap with parts you already have
Bottom line: The right choice when the whole recoil system needs replacing and you want all the hardware in one order.
Buying Guide
Confirm your exact part and model number
Craftsman model numbers often appear on a decal under the handle, on the deck or on the engine data plate. Write down the number and the engine size, then compare it with the listing. A part that is close but not exact can fail to seat, bind or not engage the crankshaft.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman 247.377050; Recoil Starter kit for Craftsman Model 247.374301
Know whether you have recoil or electric start
Push mowers almost always use a rope recoil starter. Riding units may use either a pull cord or an electric starter with a battery and solenoid. Buying a starter motor for a recoil mower, or a recoil assembly for an electric-start riding mower, wastes time and money.
Good picks for this: Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1500 247.288810; Recoil Starter Assembly For Sears Craftsman 247.374320
Check engine displacement
Engine size affects shaft diameter and recoil housing dimensions. A 159cc recoil starter may not fit a different displacement, even within the same model family. The engine label usually lists the cc rating.
Good picks for this: Craftsman 159cc Recoil Pull Starter 247.377300
Inspect the rest of the starting system first
A starter part is not always the problem. Check the spark plug, fuel supply, air filter and safety switches. On electric-start units, test the battery voltage and cable connections. A fully charged 12-volt battery should read around 12.6 volts at rest, though this is a general reference and not a substitute for a service manual.
Good picks for this: Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1500 247.288810
Consider cord and spring condition
A frayed rope, a weak return spring or a worn pawl can make a recoil starter fail even when the engine is healthy. Replacing only the cord may be enough if the spring is still strong, but a full assembly is often more reliable.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman 247.377050; Recoil Starter kit for Craftsman Model 247.374301
Plan for installation and safety
Disconnect the spark plug wire before working on any starter. On riding mowers, disconnect the battery and follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications. If you are not comfortable with small engine work, a local small engine repair shop can install the part for you.
Good picks for this: Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1500 247.288810; Recoil Starter kit for Craftsman Model 247.374301
Balance durability against the age of the mower
On an older 247 mower, a new starter may reveal other wear, such as a stripped flywheel key or a cracked housing. Factor in how many seasons you expect the mower to last before deciding how much to invest in the repair.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly For Sears Craftsman 247.374320; Craftsman 159cc Recoil Pull Starter 247.377300
FAQ
Why won’t my Craftsman 247 lawn mower start?
Common causes include old fuel, a fouled spark plug, a clogged air filter, a bad recoil spring or cord, a weak battery on electric-start models, or a failed safety switch. Start with fuel and spark, then move to the starter.
How do I find the part number on a Craftsman 247 mower?
Look for a decal on the deck, handle or engine data plate. The model and part numbers are often printed there. Compare them carefully with each listing before ordering.
Can I replace only the recoil cord instead of the whole starter?
Yes, if the spring and pawls are in good condition. Replacing the whole assembly is often more reliable when the spring is weak or the housing is cracked.
Is a starter motor the same as a recoil starter?
No. A starter motor is an electric component used on some riding mowers. A recoil starter is a rope-pull mechanism used mostly on push mowers. They are not interchangeable.
How do I know if my battery is the problem?
If the engine cranks slowly or not at all on an electric-start unit, test the battery. A healthy 12-volt battery at rest should read around 12.6 volts. Low readings or corroded terminals point to battery or cable problems.
Should I hire a professional for this repair?
Many starter replacements are manageable for experienced DIYers. If you are unsure about fuel systems, electrical work or engine timing, consult a qualified small engine technician.
Conclusion
When a Craftsman lawn mower model 247 won’t start, the right replacement depends on the mower type, engine size and the exact part number. For most push mowers with a broken recoil starter, the Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman 247.377050 is the most direct match if your number lines up. Riding mowers with electric start should look at the starter motor option. Owners of 159cc engines should consider the Craftsman 159cc Recoil Pull Starter. Budget-minded repairs suit the Sears Craftsman 247.374320 assembly, and the 247.374301 kit suits full recoil replacements. Confirm fit first, and diagnose fuel, spark and battery before replacing parts.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on power equipment and handling small engine hazards (cpsc.gov)
- Background on battery care and safe handling of lead-acid and other battery types (energy.gov)
Related reading
- Craftsman V20 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 6 Best Replacement Parts (2026)
- Craftsman M320 Lawn Mower Won't Start: Step-by-Step Fixes
- Craftsman M260 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
- Craftsman M220 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Best Recoil Starter Replacements (2026)
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn mowers guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
