It's not too bad, the spring is a bitch though. I had my engine out/apart last season and replaced the rope as PM. It looked good, but rather have new rope than break one at a bad time.
You'll need heat, as in a warm shop to work in. I do not recall if there is a trick to not unwinding the spring, but if there is I missed it. If the spring comes out just keep working with getting back into place. It's been a year since I did it so I'm sure my recall is not great. Someone I'm sure has recently had one apart and can give you some more tips!