Jeff Wisnia wrote:
....
You can do it without the spring flying out if you're careful about how
you take it apart and how you "wind it up" and hold it when attaching
the new rope prior to letting it draw the rope in and putting it back
onto the engine.

There are (or should be) holes in the pulley to put a nail or other pin
through to catch the end of the spring to prevent it coming loose...keep
tension on it so it doesn't get loose...

Do yourself a favor in advance and wear gloves and something to protect
your eyes while doing the job.

Amen...particularly the eyes...