Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine Wont Start, briggs stratton, carburator

Question
I own a Murray Rider Lawn Mower (425600x8A.  The engine is made by Briggs/Stratton.  The engine will not start.  It turns over and I am getting spark. If I pour gas directly into the air filter it will start but will not continue to run....I have checked everything except the carburator.  I have found the adjusts on it and the settings.  Will this fix my problem?  If not how to I know if the fuel solenoid is bad?  What else could be the source of the problem?  

Answer
Hi Don!

 Take the Fuel line off of the carb and let it drain into a bucket & turn it over and see if fuel come out! It is possible that it is the Fuel filter or the float is stuck in the carb! Dont make any adjustments on the carb at this point, lets take it one step at a time! Let me know what the fuel dose and we will go from there! You can email at cworthsr@hotmail.com
I will wait to here from you!
Curt
Central FL