My 1986 300SDL seemed to be shifting rougher than usual and I noticed that the turbo did not seem to be working as I recall (acceleration from 50-70 mph is now tepid).

I read several posts regarding vacuum lines as well as the Brotherton article. I decided to inspect my vacuum lines to see if I could find any old/cracked lines.

I took the advice supplied by Brian Carlton on more than one post which suggested following the small line out of the vacuum pump to a five way connector ... and this is where my questions began to arise.

When I followed the small line out of the pump, I came to a connector but it did not seem to be a five way. It was a cross that had the small line from the pump and three other lines - two going to the right side of the engine and one going to the left.

Additionally, the line going to the left (which was clear with a red stripe) entered a sleeve right after the connector. Also going into the sleeve was a small black hose that had white lettering on it including the numbers 01 02 03 ... 12. This hose seems to go across the engine compartment and through the firewall on the driver's side. However, the end of the hose that ran through the sleeve I previously mentioned was not connected to anything ... it just terminated open to the atmosphere.

So, I guess my questions are:

1) Am I barking up the wrong tree by inspecting vacuum lines for shifting/turbo issues?
2) Am I looking in the wrong spot for the five way connector Brian mentioned? Or does the 86 300SDL only have a four way?
3) What is the black hose that is not connected to anything?

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

1) No - be even more suspicious of connectors along D side fender well to the various pods and any of the soft rubber hoses - its so inexpensive to replace them all.
2) I havent read Steves article but I do not have a 5 way on my SDL
3) if you are talking about the black hose that terminates above the d side wheel wheel i have that as well -always have but it draws no vacuum when engine is running.

Once my EGR valve was eliminated for testing purposes and every vacuum line that went to P side of car from pump was elimated my shifting issues dissapeared.

__________________
BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

__________________
1998 E300 +310,000K
1996 E300 +460,000K

Doing same thing as wJukes here and going to replace vacuum lines, etc. Got my guage, etc. but curious about the SIZE of the vaccuum lines. Can anyone point me in the correct direction towards the type of vacuum lines and connects I should replace with? Thanks!

The SDL typically has two lines that go to the left side of the vehicle. If yours has only one, that single line may further divide downstream.


Remove the two lines that go to the right side of the vehicle. Reconnect the vacuum pump to the single line that goes to the left side of the vehicle.

Drive it and report back with results.