I JUST FOUND AN OLD CRAFTMAN RIDING MOWER I HIT It with starting fluid and it starts right up then died

If it has been sitting around for awhile unused the fuel system, particularly the carburetor, may need a thorough going over, cleaning, and adjustment. Float type carburetors tend to gum up and stick. Otherwise the diaphragm is the frequent culprit if the carburetor is of that type.