Jeff thanks for the info, my Haynes manual is not very clear(hard to read the diagram). The cleaned up version you sent has led me to diagnose a bad speed relay and bad 2 way valve. The 2 way valve can be made to engage with a jumper (you can hear it engage, but it does not shut off the vacuum to the retarder).
Is it repairable or are replacements available?
Peter, thanks for the tech manual info. I did check my BBB but I own a 68-250 SL and my BBB does not have 280 SL info.I did not realize there were different manuals. I purchased the manual back in 1981 when I purchased the 250 SLfrom the original owner.
Thanks again to both of you and this group.
Dan W.