Any info/advice would be immensely appreciated. Just purchased my first Civic ('98 ex). Knew the vehicle had oil leaks and needed some tender loving care. Cleaned up the engine bay as best as I could, and found several locations...this one in particular though, I can't even seem to find much, if any, info on. Seems like a sensor, I which is leaking oil...? No info in handbook and having no luck online. Anyone? Please...anyone! Haha

Golden colored nut located on left side of engine (from front end) near distributor, closest to hose. Please help ID this part.

 

That is the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. The PCM/ECM uses this sensor for various functions.

 

Likely distributor o ring needs to be replaced.

 

That sensor does not have oil behind it.