Are you maybe confusing the spring for a blade clutch?

Possibly. The cable was frozen, that's why I replaced it but it appears that the flywheel brake is also frozen. I can't get the small lever that is mounted on top of it to move at all. (It looks like a large coiled spring and is located under the deck and above the flywheel- this model has the flywheel mounted under the engine).

tomplum,
This mower doesn't have a blade clutch...it has a flywheel brake that stops the engine when a bar on the handle is released. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

Two years later and I'm still interested in getting my Honda going (or should I say, stopping) again. Does anyone have information on replacing the flywheel brake! I hate to give up on this mower - still going strong after 31 years.

I can't say that I've had the pleasure. If you look up the model at boats.net, they show the brake assy in with the cylinder description. At least that will give you an idea on what components are involved. Rusted up maybe?