Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): carb wont pick up fuel, briggs and stratton, auto parts store

Question
I have a bolens riding lawn mower (model # 761) with a briggs and stratton engine (model # 31a607-0458-E1) It has the Nikki carburetor on it.(69702-G02703-5X24 DN) I am not able to start or run the engine. It will run if i spray fuel in the carb. I have checked everything inside the carb and in the bowl is clear. seams like it is not picking up the fuel. any thing else I could check?

Answer
Micahel
Try to smell the gas , old gas smells bad but more likely water is in the gas or the jets are blocked in your case pore a bit of the old gas in a glass jar and look at the bottom for a water layer gas can turn over time to varnish/gum and block the jets flow carb cleaner [spray can from a auto parts store] will de-gum the jets but you must take the float bowl off to get to the jets
most jets [a little brass bit with a small hole for gas flow] will unscrew so you can look/see light thru them or you can use a wire to poke the gum out or both at once [best]
gas condisioner will help old gas and gas dryer will help with water some will do both but fresh gas is a quick cheap fix. If you clean the carburetor you may fix this issue. Make sure you remove any fuel in the tank and replace with fresh fuel. The carburetor will possibly need a rebuild depending on how gummed up it is.