I am in the process of replacing my Valve cover + gasket, and when taking off the valve cover I had to take off the piece circled in red in the picture. This piece also seemed to have a small gasket as well, which came off when I removed the valve cover. What is this piece circled in red and do I need to replace the "gasket" thing that came off with it?

Thanks!

Picture from greghome spark plug tutorial.

 

what is the year make and model. also out of curiosity howmany miles?

 

2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 3.5
150000 Miles

 

No, you do not need to replace that gasket. Just use the old one.