Motor Inlet Seal B480-4514

The Motor Inlet Seal (part# B480-4514) is a genuine Tacony OEM replacement part compatible with 28 models from 3 Tacony brands (Tornado, Riccar and Simplicity). Made by Tacony, the B480-4514 is used across Tornado, Riccar and Simplicity models — see the full Compatible Models list below.

On the Tornado Roam / 97300 / 97300C, air drawn from the nozzle must reach the fan without leaking, and the motor inlet seal closes the gap between the inlet duct and the motor housing. An intact seal keeps that junction airtight so the full pressure drop is delivered at the cleaning head.

Replace the motor inlet seal if it is torn, flattened, hardened, or missing, or any time you open the motor housing for service. A failed seal bleeds air right at the fan — a frequent hidden cause of weak suction that persists after changing the bag and clearing the hose. It is a low-cost gasket worth renewing whenever the motor is disturbed.

Compatible Models for the Motor Inlet Seal

Part# B480-4514 is a genuine Tacony component shared across multiple brands. Verified fitment covers the following models:

• Tornado: Roam 97300, TV280, Roam 97300C
• Riccar: R10CV, R10D, R10P, R10S, R10SAND, R17, R30, R30D, R30P, R30PET, R50TAP, PRIMAP, Brilliance Deluxe, Brilliance Premium, Brilliance Standard
• Simplicity: S10CV, S10D, S10P, S10S, S10SAND, S30D, S30P, S30PET, SC10CV, Synchrony Deluxe

Twin City Vacuum has been selling and servicing Tornado equipment since 1956, and the Motor Inlet Seal (part# B480-4514) ships from our shop at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428. Browse the complete Tornado Roam 97300 / 97300C parts catalog for matching components, or view the machine on the manufacturer’s site at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the motor inlet seal do?

The motor inlet seal (part# B480-4514) is the gasket that seals the joint where the airflow duct meets the motor intake, so all the suction is drawn through the motor rather than leaking at the connection. It keeps the intake side of the motor airtight.

Could a bad motor inlet seal cause weak suction?

Yes — a hardened, torn, or missing inlet seal lets air bypass the intake, so the machine loses suction even with a clean filter and clear duct. Replacing the B480-4514 reseals the motor intake.

Is this the same as the motor felt seal?

No — the inlet seal (B480-4514) seals the duct-to-intake joint, while the motor felt seal (B220-4500) cushions joints inside the motor housing. Match B480-4514 for the intake connection.

Which vacuums use the motor inlet seal (part# B480-4514)?

It fits the Tornado Roam 97300 and 97300C — the Compatible Models list above shows every compatible machine.

Questions about the Motor Inlet Seal (part# B480-4514)? Call us at 763-535-0770 or visit 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.