So I have this doinky with a spring that threads into the front cover and lives in the oil sump. Does something go on the other end of the spring?

 

That's the front oil pressure regulator, and it is supposed to keep high oil pressure from exploding the oil cooler (flow resistance means there is higher pressure there than at the rear regulator)

Yes, there's supposed to be a plunger thingy on top.

 

Thanks! I'll look for it, even though I'm not positive what it looks like

 

Left side is yours!

 

I dug through all of my parts and couldn't find it. Ordered a new one from Atkins for 9usd... Thanks for the help tho!

 

Glad you did. You definitely need it. Did you check your front cover to make sure the old one isn't wedged in there for some mythical odd reason?

 

^^^^^ this.

 

Check that it isn't wedged, and if you're trying to up oil pressure with an adjustable regulator you may want to shim it .125 (1/8 of washers does the trick, its just preload).