Seam sealer?

["David N Waldmann" <dw@vfh.us>]

As I started cleaning up my engine compartment I discovered I was scraping
away what seems to be a tar-like seam sealer in addition to the crud that
covered everything.

I noticed that it appears there is a different treatment immediately under
it, as if the metal was anodized or something by the sealer - it's a kind of
goldish color. Is that an affect of the sealer or is something else put on
first?

Is it good to replace this stuff, and if so, what product(s) are
recommended?

-dnw-