Identify this part

I'd like to remove it to find out if it's leaking too.
Is it timing/position sensitive or can I just remove it and look for a leak?



http://www.dotp.com/eclipse1995/PC220013.jpg

Linky no worky

Link fixed!

Linky no worky

It would also help if you told us what car we are looking at, but from the picture I have no idea.

The sensor with wires running to it under the little silver can apears to be a camshaft position sensor.
They usually have a o ring seal on them leak or can leak threw the wiring plug.
You will need to test for leaks with engine running.
But I am just guessing without year make and model and eng and trans and mileage and how many doors.
Like what has been asked what is it?
MT

The car is a '95 Eclipse GS with a non turbo engine.
Camshaft position sensor sounds right since it is attached to the end of the camshaft.

As you can see from the picture there is quite a bit of oil accumulated there, and I can't tell if it was all dripping from the valve cover, or if the sensor assembly is leaking too.

The question is, before I remove it, or reinstall, it do I have to worry about camshaft position?

I don't think so. There should be a little piece that connects inside that only fits on one way. Never taken mine off, but i think it's like that.

That little silver piece, I have no idea what that is. Been looking into that, just haven't found that yet.

Here is the cam position sensor on a model for those turbo guys or whatever that have no idea where that is. Small pic.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/107097campos.jpg

That is filthy dude.

Don't worry about the silver thingy. It's a suppression capacitor, it 's bolted at the front right side of the valve cover.

I'll clean it real good like and see if there is still a leak after the valve cover gasket is replaced.

Then we'll have fun with the before and after pictures :)

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Dimitri