What's this part?

When inspecting my polyrib belt today, I noticed a good amount of oil residue/gunk collecting on the engine just under the driver's side fuel injector pipe. There's a small part with a cross and what appears to be a spring inside that I think might be the source of the oil. (It has the most oil gunk buildup.) I've gone all through the PET diagrams and can't for the life of me find out what the heck it is. It's just to the left of the A/C compressor.

Picture is looking back at the engine through the front access panel. You can see what appears to be oil, dirt, etc. on the engine and all around the general area of the mystery part. (Arrow)

Thanks!
Jay
99 Boxster

My reservoir drain tube is gooooey and there's an accumulation of crud below it.

Not really. Nor has the power steering fluid level ever dropped a bit.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/10/2013 11:42AM by Laz. (view changes)

I take a little comfort in knowing that my throttle and steering aren't going to get hacked by the NSA.

My electrons started to ooze when I turned 50.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/10/2013 12:32PM by Laz. (view changes)

(as seen from the top engine compartment access of my 2003 car with some air intake parts removed during an AOS replacement and cleanup)
[www.tapir.caltech.edu]
[www.tapir.caltech.edu]

[www.youtube.com]

It's the other end of a connection where the AOS tube that snakes across the top of the engine goes. It appears to be a breather valve for the left hand bank.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/13/2013 05:00AM by bar10dah. (view changes)

...in a PET and you'll see what it is:

996.107.047.51