hello mr k, since you didn't give me a model #,i will give you solutions for both models,780r and 790r are the same,700r.here is what you do.1 remove air breather cover. 2 disconnect throttle cable from carburetor.3 on the 790r remove the four screws holding on black cone,you should be able to remove shaft,cone,cable,as one piece. 4 on the 700r lossen clamp ring,remove set screw on clamp ring, you should be able to slide out shaft & cable.5 on the 700r remove the four screws holding on gray cover, cover should come off,remove black piece at edge of pull start,remove center brass snap ring,remove spool,reinstall pull rope.oh check ears on spool to make thay are not stripped,tou may have to replace pull starter spool,repair as needed,reassemble machine.6 on the 780r&790r after removing black cone you have to remove the clutch drum assy.this is how,remove spark plug,insert screwbriver in cylender to keep piston from moving.using a T20 torx screwdriver unscrew the retaining screw in the center of the housing[ normal R H thread] .after removing clutch drum remove clutch,channel locks will work fine,follow arrows direction,remove four screws holding on gray piece.7 make note how kill switch wires are hooked up.8 remove three retaining clips holding down pull start spool.9 check ears on pull start to make sure not stripped.10 insert new rope,reassemble in reverse. 11 if you need a diagram for your machine.go to, mtd products.com click mtd products,click parts& accessories click owners manuals, type in model# type in serial#, click search, model will cone up,click on what you need.hope this solution helps,there is no no other way to install pull cord,good luck