How do I fasten the spring oft the stop height lever on a John Derre model 160 with z 38 inche deck. Old tractor but still a great tractor. I can not find where the end of the spring goes. The original spring broke

Hi,
I assume you speak of the one behind the plastic gauge in front of the seat. The gauge is held on by one Phillips screw. It will lift right off when the screw is removed. The bottom of the inside of the gauge will have a piece to the inside that is where the outward hook attaches. The other point is the simple little hole up at the top od the operator deck(frame.) Hook it their first, the to the gauge with barely away from its hole, insert keeping some tension on the spring to keep it in place and fasten with the screw. The spring's job is to hold the lever (which you of course must keep in its rightful place during this entire operation) to the side with the notches.
Peace,
Clarke