Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Choke problem, briggs stratton, throttle cable

Question
I have a 1999 Murray 42" cut mower model # 42587x50A with a Briggs & Stratton 17 Hp intek ohv motor.(sorry cannot find any model #'s for motor). Its will not start when cold and on inspection have found that when the throttle cable is in the choke position the lever is not contacting the linkage that opens the choke butterfly and hence wont start. If i push the linkage across to open the butterfly the motor starts right away. I cannot see anything amiss with the linkage set up other than it does not make contact.
Have you any ideas?.
Thanks
Dean

Answer
The link below will help you locate the engine model number:

http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=53&p_c...

I need the model number to look up which carb/choke is on your engine.  Send me the model number using the link about to help you locate it.

Eric