<br /><br />You're probably right about the spring. That's a Chrysler, so you can refer to a Chrysler service manual of the same era. The springs have this silly little brass thing (F286930 available from a Merc dealer) that you crimp on the end of the spring to hold the anchor-end in place. Those falling off is a very common failure. Find a Merc dealer that also sold Force and they probably have them. You just need to crimp a new one on. Check your public library for outboard service manuals. Or you might to buy one here on iboats in the Marine Store. It's tough to explain it all over the web. There are pictures that are worth a thousand words. 
