Tornado PS Spotter 98220 Closed Cell Foam Gasket 19916

The Tornado PS Spotter 98220 Closed Cell Foam Gasket 3/16 in. (part# 19916) is the genuine OEM sealing gasket on the recovery tank assembly of the PS Series professional spotter. Tornado’s dealer catalog lists it as “Gasket Closed Cell Foam 3/16 (Spotter)” — a 3/16 inch thick closed-cell foam strip cut to the tank’s sealing face.

Compatible Models for the Closed Cell Foam Gasket

• Tornado PS Spotter 98220 — PS Series professional spotter, 115V, on the recovery tank assembly

Tornado’s factory cross-reference returns this gasket for the 98220 only, and the part name itself carries the “(Spotter)” designation — it is cut for this tank, not a generic foam strip sold by the foot. If you are servicing a different machine, call us at 763-535-0770 with the model and serial number and we will identify the correct gasket for it rather than selling you this one.

Why the gasket is closed cell, and what it seals

The recovery tank on a spotter sits under vacuum while the machine is running. Anything that lets air in around the tank’s sealing face steals suction directly from the wand, and the symptom an operator notices is a machine that still sounds right but no longer lifts water out of the carpet. The gasket is what closes that face.

Closed-cell foam is the correct material and not an upgrade choice. Its cells are sealed off from one another, so the foam does not wick moisture, does not absorb the recovered solution, and does not hold soil and odour in the way an open-cell sponge gasket would. It also recovers its thickness after being compressed, which is what lets the tank be opened and closed repeatedly without the seal flattening out permanently. The 3/16 inch thickness is matched to the gap it fills — a thicker strip holds the tank proud of its seat and a thinner one never closes the gap.

When to replace it

Replace the gasket when it has taken a permanent set — it stays compressed and flat instead of springing back when the tank is lifted off. Other signs are foam that has torn, lifted away from its mounting face, gone hard and crumbly, or developed a visible gap or witness mark where the seal is no longer continuous. Loss of suction with a clean filter, a clear hose and a correctly seated tank points at this gasket. It is an inexpensive part that protects the performance of the whole machine, so it is worth replacing on sight rather than waiting.

Fitting notes

Clean the sealing face completely before fitting a new gasket; old adhesive, dried detergent residue and grit will all prevent a new seal from bedding down. Fit the gasket without stretching it — a stretched strip pulls back over time and opens a gap at the join. Let the tank sit closed for a while before the first use so the foam takes up its seat. Twin City Vacuum has been selling and servicing Tornado equipment since 1956 and keeps PS Series spotter parts on the shelf in Crystal, Minnesota.

You can browse every assembly for this machine on our Tornado PS Spotter 98220 parts page, and the manufacturer’s specifications are published at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Closed Cell Foam Gasket do on the Tornado PS Spotter 98220?

It seals the recovery tank’s mating face so the tank holds vacuum. Without an intact gasket, air leaks in around the tank instead of being drawn through the wand, and the machine stops picking up water properly.

How do I know if my Closed Cell Foam Gasket needs replacing?

Lift the tank and look at the foam. If it stays flat and compressed instead of springing back, or if it is torn, hardened, crumbling or lifting away from its face, it is finished. Poor water pickup with a clean filter and a clear hose is the usual symptom.

Why does this gasket have to be closed cell foam?

Closed cells do not wick or absorb the recovered solution, so the gasket does not soak up dirty water, hold odour or swell. It also springs back after compression, which is what allows the tank to be opened and closed repeatedly and still seal. An open-cell sponge in the same position would soak through and take a permanent set.

How do I order the Closed Cell Foam Gasket (part# 19916) or get help?

You can add the Closed Cell Foam Gasket (part# 19916) 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.