O.k., as a follow on from the post "stuff", i am checking out the vac lines on the climate control. At this point I have taken out the control module, and closed off the "sniffer" tube. As expected, it collapsed on itself, indicating vacuum. So that part must be good . I did, however, find the tube full of a foam type substance, which I presume is a filter so as not to let crap get into the engine. As old as it is, some fell out, but most of it remained inside the tube.

I was also surprised to see a diode in the sniffer opening after I cleaned that out too. Maybe with all the dirt out of the sniffer hole, it might operate better!!

I guess the next step is to try all of the vac. lines. I am surprised that I cannot hear any sound of hissing that could indicate a leak, and the engine seems to be running fine, not idling high which can be indicative of a leak, so it must be really small.