Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Replacing Start Rope on Briggs and Stratton Lawnmower Engine, briggs and stratton, hp briggs

Question
My husband used to fix everything, but he passed away...so I'm trying to figure this stuff out.  My three-year old Snapper mower has a 6 hp Briggs and Stratton engine, model 12H802, and the starting rope broke.  After determining that I had to practically tear everything off to get to the rope housing and spring assembly, I did this, carefully removing all the necessary parts, including the gas tank and oil dipstick tube.  There is some kind of clutch on the rope mechanism that appears to send out "arms" when the rope is being pulled, and the arms appear to collapse into the clutch when the engine starts.  These arms look like they are meant to grab onto ledges inside of a cup-like structure bolted to the flywheel in order to turn the crank and start the engine.  I don't think I have this back together correctly, because, although the rope retracts correctly, when I pull on it, it either binds up before I can make a full pull or else it just pulls through the whole turn without turning the engine at all.  Can you tell me how to adjust/re-assemble the clutch?  Should I get a Briggs and Stratton repair manual?  I truly appreciate any help you can give me.

Answer
Hi Jackie,

Congrats on your do-it-yourself efforts!  
It has been a while since I have disassembled your type of recoil.  I can't describe how to reassemble it correctly without seeing it.  Try removing the assembly and as you pull the rope, look at the arms to see if they extend correctly.  Disassemble and inspect the parts to see how they should work and if they could go back differently.  Try a some changes.  Lubricate any parts that may need it with a light oil or WD-40.  Trial and error is sometimes the best way to learn.

If you can find the 4 digit engine type you can look at a parts manual, which may help at: http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?rsvp=0&PARENTID=0&...
A manual is a good thing to have.  See: http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?LRID=1&MECID=100&C...

Or: http://www.perr.com/bsstore.html

Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck,
Michael