On most mowers the starter assembly is contained in the tank shroud which is screwed to the engine. On a Honda, the starter is bolted and comes off separately. On a Briggs without a tank shroud, just the steel air shroud, you have to remove the air shroud. Anyway, you may have to drain the fuel tank and disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor. Lift off the tank shroud and access the starter assembly. You can search the web for instructions on re-threading and tensioning the starter assembly. It's an easy job.

Thanks much Saxman1. It all worked out great. Now I know what to do with a B&S rope replacement.