87 300SDL

I replaced the 5-way rubber connector just above the vacuum pump (connects to 61b and 62 in the attached diagram). The part was from an MB dealer , so I didn't test it. As soon as I replaced it, the trans started shifting hard, wrong place, etc. I tested the vacuum at the pump (#67 in the attached diagram), and got a full 22+ reading. I eliminated the strainer (#62) & ran vacuum hose directly to the bottom of the 5-way, where the strainer (#62) had been connected. I got no vacuum from the 5-way port leading to the #61a connector, which seems to eventually get to the transmission. There was also no vacuum from one of the 5-way ports on the opposite side of the connector.

This can't be right. Shouldn't the 5-way just pass the vacuum through to each output opening, making the vacuum at any of the openings the same 22+ I measured at the pump?

thanks
Bruce S

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