Clutch adj locknut "spring" what does it do?

[StuXL1200S]

I changed my primary oil a while back. I started having problems with my clutch being very, very tight to pull in but not all the time. I bought a new cable and took the bike apart last night to discover that that small spring between the adjustment locknut and the derby cover was missing. I must have lost it when I changed the oil. What does it do? My local dealership cannot give me a straight answer except "it is supossed to be in there, don't run it without it". The problem is I have to order it and it will be 9 days to get it.

 

[StuXL1200S]

Thanks for the info. Last night while installing the new clutch cable after looking at everything closely I realized the spring is for holding the nut in. I am picking one up today to finish the job. Thanks again.