All my research says the pcv valve on the 2.3 duratecs is in a horrible to reach spot on the drivers side of the block.

if that's true can someone tell me what the heak this is on my 2009 sticking out of the valve cover that looks like a normal old fashion pcv valve?

 

That's the Breather or Vent for the PCV system

Positive crankcase ventilation, PCV, sucks Blow-by and it's oil vapor out of the air space in crankcase and valve cover(s), it runs on engine vacuum so sucks this air into the intake to be burned.
It needs a Fresh air source, which also needs to be a Filtered air source, thats the Breather or Vent and its hose connects to Air filter box or the air plenum tube that runs from air filter box to intake.

2.3l Duratec DOHC engines have PCV valve in an awkward spot, drivers side lower block center
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxnDWIV_aT8

 

Thanks Ron as always good info. I'm use to working on older engines and pcv valves were on the valve cover and looked like that lol.

out of curiosity, do you know when or if the pcv valve on these engines should be replaced? I mean it's a 10 dollar part but the work involved is sort of insane. I'm at 65k and have never touched it. On older engines I'd usually replace the pcv valve every few oil changes. Is this a "wait till it fails" part now? There is no mention of it in my service manual.

 

Ford recommends every 12 months/12,000miles, but really up to owner

2.3l duratec is the Mazda L engine, it was designed for front wheel drive and transverse mounting, but it would still be a pain to change it, a little less of a pain but still a pain