Tornado Union Tee 3/8″ (Nylon) 32182

A union tee splits one solution line into two, or joins two into one. On these extractors that means feeding both halves of the spray bar from a single pump line. Part number 32182 is the genuine OEM 3/8 inch nylon union tee for the Mini-Marathon, MWH-800, Marathon 800 and Marathon 1200 machines.

Compatible Models for the Union Tee 3/8″ (Nylon)

This part fits the following Tornado machines:

• Tornado 98164 MWH-800 8-Gallon Self-Contained Carpet Extractor
• Tornado 98166 20″ Marathon 800 Carpet Extractor (8 Gallon, 115V)
• Tornado 98167 20″ Marathon 800 Carpet Extractor (8 Gallon, 230V)
• Tornado 98168 12 Gallon Self Contained Carpet Extractor
• Tornado 98168 20″ Marathon 1200 Carpet Extractor (12 Gallon, 115V) — all series
• Tornado 98169 20″ Marathon 1200 Carpet Extractor (12 Gallon, 115V)
• Tornado 98150 Mini-Marathon 425 Carpet Extractor
• Tornado 98150-ACE Carpet Extractor
• Tornado 98150LM Mini Marathon Lundmark Carpet Extractor

A tee has a problem the straight fittings do not: it has to divide flow, and anything that upsets that division shows up as an uneven spray pattern rather than as a leak. Scale building in one leg, or a barb partly blocked by a shaving of tube left from a previous repair, sends more solution one way than the other. The operator sees one side of the path wetter than the other and blames the tips.

Test it directly rather than guessing. Disconnect both outlet legs, run clean water through and catch each outlet in a container for the same few seconds. They should fill about equally. A clear difference with both legs open to atmosphere means the restriction is inside the tee.

Three barbs also means three chances to crack. Nylon fails from stress, not pressure, and a tee carries stress from three directions at once — every tube pulled at an angle loads a different shoulder. Inspect around all three barb shoulders, not just the one nearest the leak, because a wet patch tracks along the outside of a fitting and rarely marks its own origin.

The other thing that catches people out is that a union tee is a union: it is meant to come apart. If yours has been glued or forced during a previous repair, the next service is a fight and the tube usually loses. Fit it as designed — tube cut square, pushed fully home on the barb, clamped on the barb and not on bare tube.

Flush the solution side with clean water at the end of the day. Scale inside a tee is the commonest cause of an uneven pattern on a machine whose tips are clean, and it is entirely preventable.

Browse every assembly for this machine on the Tornado 98168 Marathon 1200 parts hub, and see the manufacturer’s range at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tornado machines does the union tee 32182 fit?

It is used on the Tornado 98150 Mini-Marathon 425, 98150-ACE and 98150LM Mini Marathon Lundmark extractors, the 98164 MWH-800, the 98166 and 98167 20″ Marathon 800, the 98168 12 Gallon Self Contained extractor, the 98168 20″ Marathon 1200 in all series and the 98169 20″ Marathon 1200. Call 763-535-0770 if your machine is not listed.

One side of my spray pattern is weaker — is it the tips or the tee?

Test the tee directly. Disconnect both outlet legs, run clean water through and catch each outlet in a container for the same few seconds — they should fill about equally. A clear difference with both legs open means the restriction is inside the tee, not in the tips.

Why do nylon tees crack more often than straight fittings?

Because a tee carries stress from three directions at once. Nylon fails from stress rather than pressure, and every tube pulled at an angle loads a different shoulder. Inspect around all three barbs, not just the one nearest the wet patch — solution tracks along the outside of a fitting and rarely marks its own origin.

How do I order the Union Tee 3/8″ (Nylon) (part# 32182) or get help?

You can add the Union Tee 3/8″ (Nylon) (part# 32182) directly to your cart on this page, or call us at 763-535-0770. Our staff at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428 has been servicing Tornado equipment since 1956 and can help confirm the right part for your machine.

Questions? Call us at 763-535-0770 or visit us at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.