I can start and let it run on choke but when I throttle up it dies. I changed the fuel filter, sparkplug, and put new fuel with fuel dryer. Any ideas on what else to try to get the mower to run on full throttle?

This symptom is usually associated with an air leak. Make sure all bolts are tight and gaskets in place. It can also be due to insufficient gas supply. Make sure carb bowl is clean and filled with gas.

This symptom is usually associated with an air leak. Make sure all bolts are tight and gaskets in place. It can also be due to insufficient gas supply. Make sure carb bowl is clean and filled with gas.
Where would be the most common place for an air leak? When I take the air filter out and cover the carb with my hand it dies.

Usually around the carb. Make sure the bolts /nuts are tight... but it will run with the choke closed and die with your hand on the carb? Did you clean out the needle and seat in the carb bowl? Since this a 4 cycle -I presume -you shouldn't have oil gumming the carb.

Usually around the carb. Make sure the bolts /nuts are tight ......but it will run with the choke closed and die with your hand on the carb? Did you clean out the needle and seat in the carb bowl? Since this a 4 cycle -I presume -you shouldn't have oil gumming the carb.I took off the needle and cleaned the bowl. Should I try pouring fuel directly into the carb or would that hurt the carb?

You can squirt a little bit in the carb, it won't hurt.

You can squirt a little bit in the carb, it won't hurt.
This is a 17HP BriggsnStranton engine if that helps for more info. I'm going to try and pour a little fuel in tomorrow but thank you for all your help. This mower sat for 2 years in my InLaws shed before trying to get it started.

This is a 17HP BriggsnStranton engine if that helps for more info. I'm going to try and pour a little fuel in tomorrow but thank you for all your help. This mower sat for 2 years in my InLaws shed before trying to get it started.
After squirting a little fuel into the carb it wouldn't run any better. I tightened every bolt or nut I could get to and still will not run full throttle. On the carb there is a screw and a plastic piece that turns only half way around, do either of these control the carb output or fuel? I again removed the fuel filter and cleaned that out to try and get better fuel through but no luck.

Hi,
Check for a pinched fuel line between tank and frame at the rear.
Peace,
Clarke