If you have your clutch cable already installed, you do not need to remove the cover. Even if you don't have the clutch cable already installed, you do not need to remove the cover. It will be easier to see what you are doing with the cover removed, but not necessary. You need to disengage the clutch (hold the clutch lever in toward the motor) and start feeding the chain around the motor's sprocket, it will spin freely. Once the chain comes out the other side, with the clutch lever pulled in still (this will be hard to do if you do not have the clutch hand lever installed) pull some excess chain through until you have enough to work with. On a side note, to remove the screws on the cover, use a large Phillips head screwdriver with the longest shaft you can get your hands on (this gives you more torque) and will make the removal of those bad boys a piece of cake. I hope this helps