I was changing the air filter tonight and broke a cap that covered a nipple on the back side of the air cleaner housing. I also noticed a hose with elbow that looks as if it should be attached there as well. 1997 850 base.

 

Photo of back of air cleaner showing two nipples and white hose with elbow.

 

That's too bad. Hope you get it sorted out.

 

The white hose with the rubber connector runs to the bottom nipple iirc (will have to double check in the morning). As far as the small cap that broke, my car is missing the same piece from (IIRC) the top nipple and runs just fine without it. If you are worried about it, take a small piece of vac line that fits on the nipple and stick a screw into it, then put it on the nipple (cheap and functional fix lol) or pick up a new cap. As far as the white hose, I believe it has something to do with your PCV or emissions bits. Mine was replaced by the former owner when I bought the car, so I'm not 100% certain since I haven't had a reason to look into it yet

 

Thanks I put the rubber connector on the bottom nipple and will try and get a cap for the top . I drove the car tonight and it seemed fine. I am getting ready to move to Atlanta and will have to pass emissions so I am trying to create best conditions on the car on the cheap hence the air filter change. I have 228,000 on it and hope to put 238,857 on it at least so I can say it went to the moon thanks again 97 850 wagon.