There are a few different springs fitted to Briggs and Stratton engines (presumably yours has one) and you need to reveal the spring from inside the engine cowling. However, whatever you do, don't let the spring come away from its housing - they are absolutely awful to coil back up and you'll get filthy doing it too. Anyway, buy the new spring, compare it with the original, see which bit has broken (probably the looped end) and see if you fancy replacing it....you'll also have the delight of rewinding the starter rope too.
John, April 2008