Tornado Intake Filter 19097

The intake filter is the last thing between the recovery airflow and the vacuum motor. It is a few dollars, it takes a minute to change, and it is the single cheapest way to protect a motor that costs two hundred times as much. Part number 19097 is the genuine OEM intake filter for the MWH-800, Marathon 800 and Marathon 1200 extractors.

Compatible Models for the Intake Filter

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, 230V)

A clogged filter does not announce itself. What you notice is suction that has drifted down over weeks, a motor running hotter and louder than it used to, and a machine that feels like it is working harder for the same result. That is exactly what it is doing: a motor pulling through a restricted filter draws more current, runs at higher temperature and wears its brushes faster.

Check it on a schedule rather than on symptoms, because by the time the symptoms are obvious the motor has already spent weeks running hot. Pull the filter, hold it to the light and look through it. If the light is uneven or blocked across a significant area, change it. Filters are not usefully washable — rinsing shifts surface debris and leaves the embedded material that is actually causing the restriction, and a filter that has been wetted and dried repeatedly loses its structure.

A filter that is soaked rather than dusty is telling you something else: water is reaching the intake, which means the float shutoff in the recovery tank is not doing its job. Fix that before you fit a new filter, or the new one will be soaked too and the motor is next.

Fit the new filter seated fully in its housing. A filter sitting proud of its seat lets air bypass around the edge, which defeats the entire purpose — unfiltered air goes straight into the motor and the filter looks clean for months because nothing is going through it. Check the seating gasket at the same time.

Keep a couple on the shelf. The whole point of this part is that it should be changed before it becomes a problem, and a filter you have to order is a filter that stays in the machine another month.

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 intake filter 19097 fit?

It is used on the Tornado 98164 MWH-800 8-gallon self-contained extractor, the 98166 and 98167 20″ Marathon 800, the 98168 12 Gallon Self Contained extractor and the 98168 20″ Marathon 1200 in all series. Call 763-535-0770 if your machine is not on that list.

Can I wash the intake filter instead of replacing it?

No. Rinsing removes surface debris and leaves the embedded material that is actually restricting airflow, and a filter wetted and dried repeatedly loses its structure. Hold it up to the light instead: uneven or blocked areas mean it needs replacing.

My filter is soaked rather than dusty — what does that mean?

Water is reaching the motor intake, which means the float shutoff in the recovery tank is not closing. Fix the float before fitting a new filter, otherwise the new one will soak too and the vacuum motor is the next thing to fail.

How do I order the Intake Filter (part# 19097) or get help?

You can add the Intake Filter (part# 19097) 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.