Ford Repair: 1998 Mercury Sable, head valve engine, dual overhead cam

Question
Hello,

  I have a 1998 mercury sable and when I accelerate the car stutters and looses power. the OBD-II machines says Vacuum leak. how would i go about tracking down the leak or is there a commom defect for this model?

Thank you.

Answer
i need to know if it is s 3.0 litre over head valve engine or a 3.0 litre dual overhead cam. if it is the 3.0 litre over head valve, look at your air cleaner, about half way up the hose that connects it to the engine, there should be a small hose connected to it. these come disconnected some times. if not. in that general area, you will find several vacuum lines. if you have a vacuum leak it will be very audible with the engine idling. give it a quick once over and get back to me