What hose is this?!? And how do I replace it? (2.4L)

[jessman1128]

Hey everyone,

I have a 1996 Grand Am with the 2.4L engine. I recently discovered a hose that needs to be replaced because it is cracked/torn near one of the ends. Problem is...I can't figure what the hose is/does!

The hose runs from the timing chain cover towards the front of the car for a few inches, then loops back around towards the engine and connects in there somewhere underneath the throttle body area (I haven't taken the parts out yet, so I can't see exactly where it connects).

Can somebody tell me:
1) What is this hose called? (as best as i can tell from my research I believe it's either a timing chain cover vent hose/tube or it's a crankcase ventilation hose or it's an oil/air separator hose...or maybe those are all the same thing?)
2) Is this a dealer-only part, or can I use any old hose? The big-name auto parts stores haven't been any help to me when I asked them about this.
3) Do I have to do anything special to replace this hose other than get to both the ends, unhook it, and hook up a new one? (i.e. relieve any type of pressure, disable any other parts first, etc.)
4) Can I patch the tear with some type of tape as a short-term emergency solution until I can get it replaced?

The car still runs with the hose in this condition, but I have had some driveability problems that I'm wondering if are related to the leak in those hose, as well as some recent oil-type odor off-and-on when driving. (There appears to be a small amount of an oily substance leaking from the tear in the hose.)

Thanks a ton for any advice you can give me!!!

[jessman1128]

Took them awhile, but the dealer finally figured out what the hose in question was. Please see my newest post for my question now about removing the intake manifold.