Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn tractor starving for gas, key switch, carburator

Question
i have a craftsman 42' riding mower. model # 917.270913 engine model 42E707  TYPE 2631 E3  CODE 0002255B  19.5Hp. I/C Platnium the trouble is i am not getting gas to the carburator I purchased a carb. kit, and a new fuel pump, but still it starts and dies out. It also seems that its running very rich in gas.

Answer
Do you have an anti fuel solenoid on this engine?  Make sure that you dont have a wiring problem.  What I have seen in the past is you start the engine and in the "cranking" position of the starter the solenoid opens and lets fuel into the carb, when the engine starts and you release the key switch to the "run" position the solenoid then shuts off stopping fuel from entering the carb.

I would check this first.  Then i would check compression.