Crusader Copper Thermostat Housing | OEM 98202 | Rear-Mounted Heat Exchanger | 7.4L / 454 / 502
Free returns on all eligible orders
You have 30 days to request a return. All sale items are final sale.
Crusader Copper Thermostat Housing — OEM 98202
Part Number: 98202 (Crusader OEM) | Brand: Crusader / PleasureCraft Marine Engine Group
Genuine Crusader 98202 is a copper thermostat housing for selected fresh-water-cooled Crusader marine engines equipped with a rear-mounted heat exchanger. The housing positions the thermostat correctly within the closed cooling circuit, connecting to the heat exchanger via a short rubber hose. Crusader’s factory MP7.4L parts manual identifies 98202 directly in the Fresh Water Cooling Components 2 — Rear Mounted Exchanger assembly diagram.
Important — cooling system layout required: Crusader used several thermostat housings across raw-water-cooled, front-mounted exchanger, and rear-mounted exchanger configurations. This housing is specifically for fresh-water-cooled engines with a rear-mounted heat exchanger. Confirm the engine model, serial number, and cooling system layout before ordering.
Specifications
- Part Number: 98202
- Brand: Crusader / PleasureCraft Marine Engine Group
- Product Type: Copper Thermostat Housing
- Material: Copper
- Cooling System: Fresh-water-cooled / closed-cooling, rear-mounted heat exchanger
- System: Engine coolant temperature regulation circuit
- Weight: approx. 500 g / 1.1 lb
Compatible Applications
Confirmed for fresh-water-cooled Crusader engines with rear-mounted heat exchanger. Fitment must be verified by engine model, serial number, and cooling system configuration:
- Crusader 350XL
- Crusader 350XLi
- Crusader 454XL
- Crusader 454XLi
- Crusader 502XL
- Crusader MP454XLi
- Crusader MP7.4L (return-type fuel system, rear-mounted heat exchanger configuration)
Fitment Notice
Before ordering, confirm all of the following for your engine:
- Engine model and serial number are in the applicable range above
- Engine uses a fresh-water-cooled (closed cooling) system — not a raw-water-cooled system
- Heat exchanger is rear-mounted — not front-mounted
- Existing thermostat housing number or casting matches 98202
Do not select by engine displacement alone. Crusader used visually similar copper thermostat housings in different locations and configurations that are not interchangeable.
Assembly Context
In the MP7.4L rear-mounted heat exchanger assembly, the Crusader parts manual identifies the following components in this circuit:
- 98202 — Thermostat Housing (this part)
- 98203 — Thermostat (used with this housing in documented MP7.4L applications)
- 98204 — Thermostat-housing attaching hose
- 20868 — Hose clamps for the attaching hose
Inspecting and replacing these surrounding components during housing service is strongly recommended.
When to Replace the Housing
Replace the thermostat housing when any of the following are found:
- Corrosion, pitting, or perforation of the copper body
- Hose connection area is distorted, cracked, or leaking
- The thermostat no longer seats securely and squarely in the housing
- Visible cracks or deformation
- Coolant leakage persists around the housing after hose and clamp service
- Housing is damaged during heat-exchanger or thermostat service
A compromised housing can allow coolant loss or improper thermostat positioning, both of which affect temperature control and can lead to overheating.
Installation Notes
- Drain the closed-cooling system as required before removing the housing
- Inspect the thermostat (98203), connecting hose (98204), clamps (20868), and heat-exchanger neck while the assembly is apart — replace any worn or deteriorated components at the same service
- Install the replacement thermostat in the correct orientation before refitting the housing
- Secure all hose connections with new clamps and tighten evenly
- Refill the closed-cooling circuit with the coolant type and mixture ratio specified by Crusader for your engine
- Run the engine to operating temperature and inspect carefully for coolant leaks at the housing and all hose connections
Cross-Reference Part Numbers
- Crusader OEM: 98202 / CRU-98202
- PCM: 98202
- Seakamp: SK-98202 (aftermarket cross-reference only — not an OEM supersession)
Related Products
- Crusader Electric Fuel Pump Assembly | OEM 47039 | 5.7L / 7.4L / 8.1L MPI — related Crusader OEM component for MP7.4L and MPI engine applications
- Crusader Damper Plate 302/351 | SAE #0 / BorgWarner | OEM Part R140001 — Crusader OEM drivetrain component
Parts Desk Insights
Best use case: 98202 is the right part when a fresh-water-cooled Crusader 454, 502, or MP7.4L engine with a rear-mounted heat exchanger has a corroded or leaking thermostat housing and copper is preferred for its long-term durability in a closed-cooling environment. Copper housings on these engines tend to pit and perforate after many years of service, particularly if incorrect coolant or inhibitor levels allowed the coolant chemistry to degrade. Replacing the housing while the system is already drained for a thermostat or heat exchanger service is the most efficient approach.
Common issues: The most frequent ordering mistake is not confirming the heat-exchanger mounting location. Crusader used both front-mounted and rear-mounted heat exchangers on similar engine families, and the thermostat housings are not interchangeable between those configurations. Always confirm the rear-mounted layout from the engine parts diagram before ordering. The second issue is replacing only the housing without inspecting the attaching hose (98204) and clamps (20868) — a deteriorated hose or loose clamp at the housing connection is a common source of repeat coolant leaks after housing replacement.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 1-3 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
Returns & Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand firmly behind the quality of every product we sell. Your confidence matters to us — and we back it with a straightforward 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
To qualify for a return:
Item must be in new, unused condition
Product must be in its original packaging
All parts, components, hardware, manuals, and accessories must be included
Packaging must be undamaged and suitable for resale
Important:
Electronics are strictly inspected. No returns on open-box electronics. Exceptions may apply only with prior written approval. Any electronic unit that has been installed, powered, activated, or altered may not be eligible for return.
We are serious about product integrity — and equally serious about taking care of our customers. If there is ever a product issue, contact us immediately so we can make it right.
For return authorization, please contact our support team before shipping anything back.