Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro 4.5 hp recycling mower GTS2, rope thread, tie a knot

Question
OK here goes.  I snapped the pull cord for my recycler all the way down inside the machine so there is only a few centimeters left that I can see inside it.  I tried to remove the cover (? not sure if I am referring to the parts by their proper names, but I am sure you get the point.) to get inside the area where the cord wraps around and to my dismay, it is rivited to the core of the engine so that I can't get to the area where the cord goes with my fat fingers.   Is there a way you can explain to me, in laymans terms how to fix it.  I am having a hell of a time trying to get in there.  In fact, it seems to be quite impossible.

Thanks very much in advance if you can help me.

Tim

Answer
You can drill the rivets and replace the starter.  Usually the easiest and least aggravating.  You can replace the entire cover with starter attached. Or locate the rope knot inside the starter pulley, Untie it and pull the rope out.  Get a new rope of the correct length.  Pre wind the spring behind the pulley by turning it 3 times all the way around, I think.  You will know if it is too much if your rope doesn't pull all the way out.  Now pre-tie a knot in the end of the rope.  Thread the new rope through the pulley and then through the hole in the housing.  Hold the rope[e and let the rope slowly retract into the housing.  Pull on to try.  If ok pull about 3" out and tie a slip knot in the rope.  Reinstall and thread the rope through rope guides.  Install handle and tie rope on handle end.  Hope it helps.