Appears there is a part no. RE17515 called a vacuum sensor noted in jdparts for the 2840.
Never heard of such a thing. Have a picture or part number? Doesn't it have a proof meter (combo tach, speed and hours)?
thanks everybody ...
the local JD dealer said that is what it is (vacuum hour gauge) ...
it does have a mech tach which is connected and it does turn from the cam but the hour gauge is not working ...
i did find the vacuum port and it is now connected but a flat tire is keeping me from driving it at the moment ...