Getting the spring and spring cap installed can be a real bear. I found that by using a stubby ratchet drive I was able to get just enough push on the spring to enagage the threads. (be careful not to cross thread....) My fingers were not strong enough to compress the spring and turn the cap at the same time. Using the drive allowed me to use the strength of my whole hand. (again, don't cross thread as a result of not having the finger feel...)

As for the lost clip ring, I would recommend getting one from the dealer. The ratchet movement of the plunger is important, it provides proper chain tension at startup before oil pressure is available. Without this clip, the chain can have to much slack on a cold start. Don't know if it's enough to allow the chain to jump time, but why take that chance.

J. M. van Swaay

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1994 E320 Wagon, 230,000 miles
1995 E320 Sedan, 106,000 miles
1994 E500 Sedan, 79,000 miles