According to the manual, you connect one end of the spring to the case, and the other end into the back of the stopper.
After re-reading your post, I get the impression you are having troubles with the stop bolt (17mm bolt behind the kickstart). The procedure for that is:
- Turn the kick starter shaft counter clockwise, and watch for the kick starter stopper through the bolt hole.
- Tighten the kick starter bolt when the stopper has passed the hole. The kick starter return spring will then work properly.
- Install the kick start lever properly.
I marked mine with chalk before I removed the kickstart. If you did not mark the kicker and shaft for reinstallation, the foot rest of the kickstart lever should be horizontal (when the motor is installed.)
Good luck!
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Edit: I guess you cant name that online auction site that rhymes with flea-day