Distributor shaft spring

Hi,
Please could some one tell me if the distributor drive shaft spring is needed as I was having a poke about in paradox 's box of bus bits and pieces and I think the spring from the distributor pinged across the garden in the process. Would the engine run if he put's the distributor back together with out the spring or would it throw the timing way out??!!!.

Shhh..

Thanks

 

It'll be fine.
Shhh he's coming.

 

On the other hand. Next time he's bored and run out of things to cover in tractor enamel tell him about it, he'll have hours of fun on the lawn with a magnet.

 

Thanks hun

 

Looks like the cat is out the bag now Paradox's Mrs.