i got a 8hp murray riding mower for free and i can get it to start for about a minute and then it will die. i cleaned out the carb and checked the fuel filter.
model: 190707
type: 5655 01
code: 820430 12

Check your spark right after it dies. Also as 30yearTech suggested to me on another problem, try running it with the fuel cap removed.

i ran it with the cap off and it still ran for the same amount of time then died. i checked the spark plug imediatly after it died and it was dry at the tip and the threads were wet. also the end of the spark plug is black and grey.

i thouht this might be helpful to you guys. when i start the engine it runs good for about 45 seconds then it goes into a high idle. then the idle gets slower and slower until it dies.

Does it crank up immediatly after it dies ?

it takes a few tries. aslo i just took a compresser to where the fuel line enters and it would only let air in if i pulled the float downward. isn't it suppose to be the other wy around?

No that is correct, the float floats ontop of the fuel in the bowl as the fuel level rises the float rises closeing the needle valve against the seat shutting off the fuel flow.

When i said check the spark immediatly after it dies i meant check to see if it still has spark. It would probably be best to use a spark tester connecting the plug wire to the tester then the tester to the plug, then crank the engine and watch the tester to see if the spark stops as the engine is dieing.

i have the engine running perfectly now. i geus when i sprayed the compressed air where the fuel enters a bunch of junk came out. i geuss i should get a new fuel filter?

probably wouldn't hurt, you might of also had water in your gas as well