One of my favorite mowers, starter reassembly is the hardest part of servicing them. Slip the wire into the groove with the ends extending past the teeth. Rotate the starter assembly until the slack is out of the rope, rotate one more turn then install the starter with the ledge between the wire ends.

Thank you for reply. been so long since I've been in forum. not quite understand. Does the spring attach to the shelf of the starter? Sorry, but really would like to get this started. Appreciate your advice.

Here are the instructions for the D-400 starter.

Here is a link that might be useful: D400 starter

Thank you. This helps tremendously. Should be up and running soon.

Glad to help. The 5024 and its big brother the 7024 are two of the latest (mid 70s') mowers that still held true to the original Lawn Boy idea of a powerful light weight easy to use mower. Although they were considered "bare bones" when they were new, the fact that they are not self propelled is one of the main reasons they are still around.

This morden is great
I have one for my garden

Here is a link that might be useful: Lawn Mower Reviews