I need some help from this forum. I live in a small town and bought a used 2009 Mazda 5 Sport from a GM dealer here. While I was inspecting the engine I noticed the lower heater hose that goes into the firewall had a dark grey tape job with the consistency of duct tape. Whoever did the tape job did a nice job wrapping it. I had a tech at the dealership say it was a protective wrap for heat, which is feasible since it is right above the exhaust manifold. If I could have some feedback from my fellow 5 owners if their's is also the same way. Otherwise I have to travel an hour away to a Mazda dealership to determine it myself. Thanks for your help.

 

It left the factory that way... Don't worry!

 

Thank you I appreciate the help.