carb needle spring

i went to take the needle out of the slide an when i pulled the clip out the little spring went flying an i can find it anywhere ive done it before but always found it this time i think its gone lol anyways does the needle need to move in the slide or can i just put something in the to keep the needle tight?

I worked on mine the day before you, and lost my spring.  After searching for 3 hours and giving up, I found it.  I can tell you that they do run without the diaphram spring installed...funny how I know that.

The only way that I have found that you can get a new spring is with the whole needle assy.

I think that the needle needs to be able to move a little bit.  This helps in to find its home when the throttle is closed.