Overview
Cap and float assembly for the Razorback Sandia 3-gallon spotter. Sandia part number 10-0304.
The machine it belongs to
Sandia's 3-Gallon Spot-XTract, model 50-1002 — a 100 CFM, 804 watt spotting extractor. CCW supplies it as the Razorback SpotX.
Where it sits in the machine
Item 15 in Sandia's machine parts list for the 3-Gallon Spot-XTract, listed as Spotter Cap and Float Assembly, quantity 1.
It works with hatch cover gasket 10-0302-A (item 13) and the 1½ inch black ABS stand pipe 10-0416-A (item 14) at the top of the recovery tank.
What the float actually does
The float is the shut-off between the recovery tank and the vacuum motor. When the tank fills, the float rises and seals the vacuum path, and the machine loses suction — deliberately.
That sudden loss of suction is the float doing its job, not a fault. It is the warning to stop and empty the tank. Operators who do not know that go looking for a blockage.
Why a failed float is expensive
If the float sticks down, or the assembly is damaged, the machine keeps pulling when the tank is full — and the next thing that happens is recovered water going through the vacuum motor. On an 804 watt motor that is not a repair, it is a motor.
This inexpensive assembly is what stands between a full tank and that outcome, which is why it is worth replacing at the first sign of damage rather than at the next service.
Maintenance
Check that the float moves freely every time you empty the tank. Hair, fibre and dried spotting chemistry restrict it, and a restricted float is a float that will not lift in time.
Rinse the assembly rather than just tipping the tank out. A spotter recovers exactly the material that fouls floats.
Check the hatch cover gasket (10-0302-A) at the same time. A lid that does not seal costs suction across the whole job and is easy to miss.
Sandia's stated warranty on this machine
From the manual: lifetime on moulded components, five years on the vacuum motor, five years on the pump, and five years on all electrical components. That is the manufacturer's stated position — check with us before assuming a part is covered, because normal wear items and damage from neglect or abuse are excluded.
Note that lifetime cover on moulded components is stated. Ask us before buying if the failure looks like a moulding defect rather than wear or damage.
Related parts
Frequently asked questions
My machine loses suction when the tank gets full. Is it faulty?
No — that is the float working. Empty the tank.
My machine does not stop when the tank is full. Is this the fix?
Very likely, and it is urgent. You are one job away from water in the vacuum motor.
Does it include a gasket?
CCW's own product record lists this assembly as supplied including gasket. Ask us to confirm which gasket is in the pack if you also need the hatch cover gasket (10-0302-A).
How many does the machine take?
One.
If your spotter is not shutting off on a full tank, stop using it and talk to us — that fault costs a motor.
