1986 300SDL Vacuum Lines

[wjukes]

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.