Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Husqvarna Riding Mower Wont Start In Cold, inch blade, spec numbers

Question
I have a 1 1/2 year old 42 inch w/Kohler 20 HP.  35 hours on it.  Early January 2008 it got in the 60s outside and I tried starting it versus being cold.  It started and I mulched some left over leaves!  Today 33 degrees and back to will not start.  Last winter with the 48 inch blade it was great for the neighborhood snow removal.  Toward the end of this last mowing season it would run maybe 30 minutes and then stop...  I would have to push it to its shed and come back another day to mow some more.  My best luck with starting, when it starts, is to use my finger to manually push what I think is the choke to get her started.  How can I take care of my aging neighbor's snow removal?  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Nick:

Is the Throttle Cable Moving the Choke to Full Closed? If you can Manua;;y Close the Choke and the Engine Starts Correctly, then the Linkage is Not Closing the Choke Completely and Causing the Hard to Start in the Cold. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. For the Running 30 Minutes and Quiting; I Usually Suggest you Check the Following in this Order for a Problem like yours. 1- Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. A Vacuum Builds in the Tank and the Gas Flow Stops or Slows to a Point it Shuts Off the Engine. 2- Operate the Equipment Until it Quits (15 to 20min). Then Immediately Check for Fire from the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then 3- Check the Carburetor Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 3/4" Long. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets. 4- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John