Removed the line from the vacuum pump. Air flow in and out, not a vacuum. Removed the check valve that the line was fastened to. The guts of the check valve were laying in the horizontal part of the suction passage on the top of the vacuum pump. Also a lot of white corrosion power. I retracted the check valve parts, the valve plate, spring and a thin washer with a magnet, sucked up the powder with a vacuum cleaner. To reassembly the valve I turned a new valve assembly body from a high temp plastic rod. (that lathe sure comes in handy) Pressed the new assy into the brass fitting, screwed it back into the vacuum pump, fastened the main line back on. When the engine started the gauge jumped to 15 - 18 " and stayed there.
Thanks to the guy that suggested looking at the check valve before pulling the pump.
And for the rest of you. Thanks for your input and help
The Gears

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1984 300SD turbo 126
"My true love"

God made me an atheist and who am I to question His wisdom