While I was in the process of reassembling my carburetor I lost the small retaining spring for the main metering rods. Since this brought this small part to the forefront of my mind it makes me wonder what the purpose of this small part is and how it helps the carb operate. I would enjoy any enlightenment on this subject as I am eager to learn. I am also forced to try and discover my best means for acquiring a new one to replace it and would accept any advice on that front as well. Right now I have been mainly trying to find a whole unit from a scrap yard but this seems to be becoming a difficult task.