Found Part While Removing Transmission/Engine Options

[laughatthemall]

Well, as the title states, while pulling the engine and transmission, I found a part laying on the ground. The car is a 1996 Toyota Celica ST, 1.8L 7A-FE, 5-speed transmission. The part was found after the engine was removed (with transmission still attached), directly after separating the transmission from the engine on the engine lift. I cannot for the life of me figure out where this came from. It appears to be a valve of some sort, it has a screen in one end, and a spring inside. Anyone have any insight? Thanks!

Pictures of part:
http://imgur.com/a/1YVJs

[laughatthemall]

These are all fair/valid points. However, the thing that strikes me as odd is, it still had oil in it, no dirt to speak of, and no surface rust. I do accept the 'it might be from something else' explanation for now, though, as there have been many other projects in the general area I am working, in the past. I'm still concerned it goes to the transmission, or somewhere to the accessories (thinking AC maybe?) but rationalize it can't be -too- hard to take back apart if absolutely necessary, and if I don't notice it I don't need it.