All the recoil springs I've ever installed I started from the outside of the coil, hooking it into the housing first. Need three or four hands to do it right, but never let go of the spring until it is all the way in. You mind find it easier to hold the spring more or less stationary and rotate the housing with your free hand, making sure you NEVER let go of the spring.
Looking at my repair book, it doesn't seem any different from most other saws, old and new.
I've seen some models with the spring located in the pulley. Can't comment on those. Never replaced a broken spring in one.
Chris B.