I was changing the spark plugs and noticed I'm getting oil leaking in through the rear valve cover. In the process of changing the valve cover, I took off a component directly to the left (circled in the picture) thinking it needed to come off. As it turns out it did NOT need to come off. What is this component and do I need to change the gasket for it now that I've opened it, or will it be OK??




Thanks,
Sari

 

If the gasket is not damaged (bent badly or cracked) it'll be fine. Just bolt it back up.