Tornado External E Retaining Ring 03470

An E-ring is the flat, open-sided clip that snaps into a groove on a shaft to stop something sliding off it. It is a positive mechanical stop rather than a friction fit, and it is used all over machines like this on pivots, rollers and linkages. Part number 03470 is the genuine Tacony external E retaining ring.

Compatible Models for the External E Retaining Ring

This part is shared across a wide run of Tacony machines. On the Marathon 1200 family it is fitted to:

• Tornado 98168 12 Gallon Self Contained Carpet Extractor
• Tornado 98168 20″ Marathon 1200 Carpet Extractor (12 Gallon, 115V) — all series
• Fits many other Tacony machines — call 763-535-0770 and we will confirm fitment for your machine.

E-rings are single use in practice even though nothing says so on the packet. Removing one springs it open past its elastic limit, and a ring refitted after that sits loose in its groove and works its way off — usually not immediately, which is what makes it dangerous. If you have taken one off, fit a new one.

Size is the groove, not the shaft. E-rings are specified by the groove diameter they seat in, and a ring that is one size up will go on and sit proud, holding nothing. If you are matching one, measure the groove rather than the shaft, and compare the thickness too — a thinner ring in a wider groove rattles and wears the groove.

Fit them with the right tool if you have one. The wrong way — levering with a screwdriver until it snaps on — is how rings get sprung, and how they end up across the workshop floor. Slide it on square from the open side until it seats fully into the groove all the way round, and check by trying to slide it along the shaft: a seated ring will not move.

Inspect the groove while the ring is off. A groove that has been worn oval by a loose ring will not hold a new one either, and that is a shaft problem rather than a clip problem.

Keep spares. They are the classic part to lose during a repair, and a machine held together by a missing E-ring is a machine that comes apart in service.

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 machines does the retaining ring 03470 fit?

It is fitted to the Tornado 98168 12 Gallon Self Contained carpet extractor and the 98168 20″ Marathon 1200 in all series, and it is shared across many other Tacony machines. Call 763-535-0770 with your model and serial number and we will confirm fitment before you order.

Can I reuse an E-ring?

In practice no. Removing one springs it open past its elastic limit, and a ring refitted after that sits loose in its groove and eventually works off — usually not immediately, which is what makes it dangerous. Fit a new one whenever you have taken one off.

How do I make sure I have the right size?

Measure the groove, not the shaft. E-rings are specified by the groove diameter they seat in, and a ring one size up will go on, sit proud and hold nothing. Check thickness too: a thin ring in a wider groove rattles and wears the groove oval.

How do I order the External E Retaining Ring (part# 03470) or get help?

You can add the External E Retaining Ring (part# 03470) 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.