Can anybody tell me what these parts are called and what they do? The little valve type thing that screws onto the intake manifold has a spring in it that seems like it is supposed to affect air flow somehow. This little valve on the intake manifold connects to the black box by a hose. The black box sits on the back of the block next to the oil filter and has a passage into the block.

Additional info: I have a '91 ED6 with a D15B1. PM5 HF-6 intake manifold. It's all stock

 

That thing that screws into the Intake Manifold is the PCV valve. The box that it is connected to is the Breather Chamber. As for the function, read this:
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)

 

Ok, thanks! Seems kind of obvious now..


The hose connecting the PCV to the breather box had completely deteriorated. I am hoping that replacing the hose might fix my issue. The car cranks and goes boom, but doesnt exactly start. I have a feeling it is probably something else though

 

LOL @ "and goes boom"

Is your distributor installed 180* off?

 

Well the previous owner installed a huge cat back exhaust for whatever reason and it does make a big boom. I think the problem might be timing related though. The accelerator stopped giving gas while i was going 50 in 4th and then the car wouldnt start up. I am hoping it is the distributor but it might have been the timing belt. I'll have to check it out tomorrow. Ive been putting it off