Sprite Heater valve

[Dave_Vrba@mail.sel.sony.com (Dave Vrba)]

     Hello listers,
     I am doing an overhaul of the heater valve on my '62 sprite to stop a 
     gradual cooling leak.  I definitely need a new base (bottom of valve 
     that bolts to the block).  It's pretty chewed up with corrosion.
     
     My question????  How many and why is there a washer between the valve 
     assembly and the base?  What are they made of?  The "stuff" I cleaned 
     out was like a packing material.  All the parts books state the qty 
     needed as "as required".
     
     TIA
     
     Dave Vrba
     '62 Sprite MKII
     Dublin, CA