Broken Link on S6 vaccum pump ?

[Damos6avant]

Ok, so after having a nose around to sort out a coolant leak on my troubled S6 (it was the oil cooler) i noticed that at the front of the engine, near the top, there appears to be some form of vaccum pump/switch arrangement, connected using dog bone plastic links - one of these links is broken and needs replacing. I've no idea how long this has been broken and have no idea what impact that has on the engine. i've no warning lights or noticable performance issues.
The chaps at the dealership said it was the vaccum pump (?) and that the plastic link had to be purchased as part of a replacement unit (£140). firstly, what on earth does this kit do? and secondly, anybody got a cunning fix to avoid chipping out for the complete unit. not quite sure what next weeks problem will be, but i'll keep you posted....

[Peter D]

Go on give us a clue what engine it is. Please qoute your engine code from the ID label in the spare wheel bay, or in the service book. Regards Peter

[kenney]

I think you are refering to the intake manifold change-over valve -N156.which will result in
acceleration problems

[Damos6avant]

Ok, so the engine is the 4.2, v8 - code AQJ - broken link is the right hand side of the 2 pumps. I've tried to attach a picture showing the problem. I've not noticed any acceleration problems, but then this may have been broken when i purchased the car ?

[Damos6avant]

Zoomed in picture showing the broken plastic connector and the ball joint it should connect onto on the right hand of the two pumps (are they pumps/swtiches?) any assistance welcome, esp in finding a cheap fix!

[kenney]

They are the vacuum units for the manifold change over.With the power you have on this engine,not sure if you would really notice if it was broken.