15 hp Four Stroke Starter Spring

[jopa29]

I need to replace the starter spring on my outboard. Is a 2000s 15 hp 4 stroke and the main problem I am having is getting the spring connected with the pulley. There is just no way I can fit my hand in there, and my dad and I tried for hours to jimmy it in with no luck. I can't imagine that evinrude wouldn't have a simpler procedure for accomplishing this task. Has anyone else had a problem with this, and if so, how do I attach this spring.