The first six digits of the serial number tell you the date of manufacture.
It was made May 1, 1998
Craftsman garden tractor w/ Kohler 14 hp eng. dies when warmed up- why ?
Where is oil plug
917.276360
Craftsman lawn tractor with 22hp kohler engine uses a fram pf-53
The oil to use for the 26hp Kohler motor on a Craftsman garden tractor will depend on the temperature outside. Use a 10-30 blend in the summer and a 5-30 blend in the winter months. The brand of oil does not matter as long as it is not a synthetic blend.
probablyneeds a new muffler
If it has a Briggs and Stratton engine you need SAE30. If it is a Kohler it uses 10W30.
Click the link and then look up your engine based on the model number.
Check out http://www.managemyhome.com; they have manuals for almost all appliances and other things you need around the house. I found the manual for my Craftsman mower here. Good luck.
The float valve in the carburetor is not working properly. You will need to remove the carburetor and clean it or replace it.
Craftsman does not produce any engines. All craftsman engines are produced by some other manufacture. You will have to know who the manufacture is which I realize you are looking for. The design and look of the engine will tell anyone knowledgable in small engines who made it. Depending on the age of the engine it can be a Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Kohler, Honda, Subaru, Kawasaki, or a Chinese brand.
Companies often have copies of manuals available to send to their customers. Contact them directly and have the model number to help assist them in getting you the correct book.