'85 Honda Big Red 250 Kick Starter Trouble

I'm the 3rd person working on (tell me about it) my neighbor's Honda
trike and have the Honda service manual and all. I can't figure out
how to get the kick starter shaft aligned as it says to in the manual.
When I reassembled it 4 different ways (3 didn't work, 1 did), it
sounds like the ratchet is clicking every rev, as if the kick starter
is depressed while it's running. I have run it only momentarily to
check the new shifter parts I got for it.

Who's knowledgeable about these old beasties? I'd like to pick your
brains if I may. I've found the missing pieces (like the thrust
washer on the right outer case which keeps the shaft from disengaging
and trying to fall out of the case), ordered them, and got it
reassembled to no avail.

It shows a picture (Pg 8-27, I believe) and the part in my hand is
identically clocked to that, but I can't figure out how to get the dot
on the shaft vertical while the spring is engaged. It keeps unwinding
as I put the case around it.

Clues, please!
TIA