Can anyone tell mw what this is. I just got a 97 bonne and that thing under the hood is making a clinking noise at idel.

It looks to me like your purge solenoid. All that little doohickey does is circulate vapors from your fuel tank through a charcoal canister and on into the engine. The clicking isn't all that loud, I wouldn't wory about it. If it'* setting a code, change it and clear the code. Same thing goes if the noise is bothering you. Be sure to check for proper vacuum to the valve though. It should read around 1LPM (Liter Per Minute). Hope this helps! ----Peacies----

a horribly dirty motor

Thanks for the responds, I know my motor is a little dirty, but thats what the cover is for

Actually, the EVAP Canister Purge Valve is to the left in the center area just above valve cover. Vacum line runs to the right then makes a 90* turn up into into the throttle body. I'm not sure what that particular component is just yet. I'm looking into it.

We need an L36-specific opinion on this one. My purge solonoid is actually attached to the canister itself.

That little bugger LOOKS like it has vac and electrical to it, which would indicate either MAP or Canister purge. I recall the L36 MAP is on the back side, not the front.

Louder clicking in cold weather is normal if that'* actually your purge solonoid. Don't mess with it until it throws a code.

What Markwb said.

That is the EVAP Vacuum Switch or called Purge valve solenoid vacuum sensing switch. All it does is sense vacuum and opens the normally closed electrical contacts inside.

It tells the PCM that that the Purge valve solenoid (EVAP Canister Purge Valve) is working and supplying vacuum to the charcoal canister.

The Purge valve solenoid should be clicking and not the switch.

Bill, the MAP sensor is located on the left side (as you look at the pic) of the upper intake manifold, yellow connector. The PCV lives underneath the MAP. I don't have that vacum switch that he has circled on my engine. Apparently on the newer L36'* there is a pressure transducer on the fuel tank that senses negative pressure (vacum) when the EVAP Purge Valve is open, then reports this to the PCM. Vacum is pulled from the fuel tank through the charcoal canister via the EVAP Purge Valve into the throttle body basically.

Thank for the help.

BTW... a little engine cleaner will also help your engine run cooler in the summer and assist you in finding issues/leaks much quicker.