What engine is fitted? I suspect a Chinese RV150? The response you got is a standard one, because the starter assembly normally falls apart long before the rope breaks.
If it's undamaged apart from the broken rope, then all you need to do is remove the old rope, rotate the starter backwards 5 turns, insert new rope & knot, then allow rope to recoil into housing. Don't forget to attach the pull handle first! Easier said than done, but it can be done.
phil_saunders(a)bigfoot.com
Phil Saunders
April 2009