I have a craftsman mower model number 917.258980 20.5 hp. My problem is that it will not start without the help of starting fluid. But right after the shot of fluid is exhausted it dies. The mower turns over good and yes I have gas in it. The fuel is getting to the carburetor, as I was able to check up to that point. My question would be, could the solenoid that is located at the bottom of the carburetor be bad and causing the fuel not to get to where it needs to be? Or what other issue could be causing the engine not to run? Thank you in advance for your help.
Brian

Does it make a faint click when you turn the key from that solenoid? Then yes it could be the solenoid, the solenoid lets gas get to the carb, just not to the rest of the carb.

More probable is the main nozzle up through the carb, or pilot jet when removing the float bowl check the bolt that holds it on that needs to be clean. Then remove the main nozzle that screws into post that bowl tightened to. Then push pilot jet out through throat of carb clean everything spotless and reassemble. WALLA unless on the outside chance it was the fuel cut solenoid which is rare but does happen.

Check it first like briggs dude said