[Chunkerz]

I have my HVAC box out so I decided to replace my expansion valve while I was at it. There was a thick tar like substance all over it and the pipes coming out of the evaporator. I had to remove it in order to replace the valve, so I was wondering if this tar stuff was required, or would it be alright to put it back in the car without it? If it is required, what can I use in its place? Will that hollow insulating foam they slide over pipes work, or does it have to be that black tar stuff?

Also, the bolt that holds the two halves of my mirror together backed out, so I took the mirror apart to fix it. The problem is I cannot get the bolt to thread in because of that overly strong spring. If I remove the plastic shims above/below the spring I can get it to thread in. My mirror seems nice and stiff without the shims, so I was wondering if they were necessary? Would there be any repercussions if I left them out?