Rui Marques and Dougie Freedman scored twice in two first half minutes to give the visitors a comfortable lead at the break. But then Vale managed their own two goal two minute salvo. Paul Harsley scored from the spot on 55 mins then Danny Whitaker levelled on 67 mins.
The game was heading for a 2 - 2 draw when Freedman scored his 2nd and Leeds' third to hand the visitors the advantage with just 4 mins to go.
The drama wasn't over though as Luke Rodgers scored in injury time to make it 3 - 3. The point has done little to aid Vale's slim survival hopes but the fans had something feel good about with such a late leveller.
Vale are 14 points from safety with just 8 games to go.