Different folks have different ways, I guess. See the little about 1/8" dia hole in the pulley? Find a nail or something that will fit through that hole and set it aside where you can reach it later. With everything cleaned up and assembled ready for the rope, rotate the pulley to wind up the spring all the way, then back off one turn. Now stick that nail into the hole. That will prevent the spring from unwinding. As said, tie a single overhand knot in the end of a new rope, then insert the other end into the hole and behind the pin, and out the starter housing snout. Hang onto the rope and remove the nail, letting the spring to pull the rope in. Install the handle with marks aligned.
Warning, during all this, do not turn loose of the pulley and let the pulley/spring fly back uncontrolled. Doing so will cause a backlash which will destroy the spring. That is the reason for the nail, to hold it until you get the rope installed.
