Update.
If I turn on vac 1 and cover exhaust of vac 2, then there is suction through the tank as should be.
If I then turn on vac 2 keeping my hand over the solution hose intake there is proper suction, but when I remove my hand and let air through, there is a slight change in the sound of the 2 vacuum motors and then there is no suction.
Hope that makes sense to someone.
Solutions appreciated.