Hey folks..
I own a 2014 Troy Bilt Bronco riding mower, 17.5 hp Kohler engine w/42" deck. I have had nothing but problems from it! This time it won't start, or I should say won't stay running, if I spray starting fluid in the carb, it'll start, then stall seconds later and won't start again without another shot of starting fluid.

This mower was bought new in 2014! the thing has been broke down more than its been used! I used it the first summer, had problems then, and they sent another one. Cut the grass once last yr and the belt broke! it would run but not move. Because I'm disabled I couldn't fix it until this past weekend, so it sat all last yr!

However, I have never left gas in it over the winter......almost did! luckily we had a mild winter because I had forgot and didn't let it run out until like Nov last yr...at that point, I started it and let it run until it ran out of gas.
We got the belt on this weekend ! NOT FUN! but now it'll only start with a shot of starting fluid in the carb, and only stays running until it is burned off....
I'm hoping its the gas filter, its got a bunch of gunk in it, but when I remove the gas line, gas passes threw, maybe that gunk all clogs the filters screen under pressure? ...I can't find it locally, but thinking as long as the specs match I could find one that would work.
Any other ideas on the problem? sure hope it isn't the carb! this new it shouldn't be.....Thanks for any help!
PS..replaced the Fuel filter, no luck..but I notice the carb is dry, but there's gas in the filter, though that may just be gravity?