Crusader / PCM Thermostat 143°F R026002E | Raw-Water-Cooled Inboard Engines
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Part Details
- Part Number: R026002E
- Brand: Crusader / PCM (Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group) — Genuine OEM
- Official Product Type: Engine Thermostat — 143°F / 62°C
- PCM Kit Equivalent: RP026002E (thermostat + gasket kit)
- Supersedes: 96319, 96051
- System: Raw-water cooling
- Opening Temperature: 143°F / 62°C
- Diagram Position: Item 6 in the Crusader MP7.4L raw-water cooling assembly (mounted between upper and lower thermostat housings)
- Weight (approx.): 150 g / 0.33 lb
What This Part Is
Crusader R026002E is the genuine OEM 143°F thermostat for selected Crusader and PCM raw-water-cooled gasoline inboard engines. It is installed between the upper and lower thermostat housings and controls engine warm-up and operating temperature by regulating coolant flow through the raw-water cooling circuit. The 143°F specification is specific to raw-water cooling — it is not interchangeable with the 160°F thermostat used on EFI or closed-cooling configurations.
Compatible Applications
Fitment is confirmed by engine model, fuel-system configuration, cooling-system type, and serial number. Documented applications:
- Crusader MP7.4L / 454 CID — raw-water-cooled (R026002E is Item 6 in the raw-water cooling diagram)
- PCM Ford 5.0L / 302 CID — carbureted, raw-water-cooled
- PCM Ford 5.8L / 351W — carbureted, raw-water-cooled
- Selected Crusader and PCM carbureted gasoline engines specifying the 143°F thermostat
Important: PCM service documentation identifies R026002E as the 143°F thermostat for carbureted raw-water-cooled 5.0L / 5.8L applications. Later EFI or closed-cooling versions of the same engine families may require a 160°F thermostat (R026002) — confirm cooling-system type and serial number before ordering.
Thermostat Temperature — 143°F vs. 160°F
- R026002E — 143°F / 62°C — for raw-water-cooled carbureted applications (this part)
- R026002 — 160°F — for documented PCM EFI applications
Confirm the thermostat temperature from your engine’s parts diagram before ordering. Installing the wrong temperature thermostat for the cooling-system type can cause the engine to run outside its intended temperature range.
Thermostat Housing Assembly — Related Components
In the Crusader MP7.4L raw-water cooling assembly, R026002E (Item 6) is installed with the following components:
- Thermostat housing gasket 97361
- Lower thermostat housing 98552
- Associated pressure-relief components
The PCM kit RP026002E includes this thermostat with a gasket as a combined service kit.
When to Replace
Replace the thermostat if the engine shows any of the following:
- Running hotter than normal operating temperature
- Running unusually cool or slow to warm up (thermostat stuck open)
- Temperature fluctuations under load
- Thermostat visibly corroded, stuck, or damaged
- Cooling-system service where the thermostat housing is already open — replace as preventive maintenance
Service Interval
Inspect annually during cooling-system service. Replace at any sign of sticking, corrosion, or erratic temperature behaviour, and whenever the thermostat housing is opened for any other repair.
Installation Notes
- Drain the cooling circuit before opening the thermostat housing
- Note the original thermostat orientation before removal — install the replacement in the same direction (spring side toward the engine)
- Clean both thermostat-housing sealing surfaces and inspect the housing for corrosion or deposits
- Replace the thermostat-housing gasket (97361) on reassembly — do not reuse the old gasket
- Inspect the water pump and raw-water cooling passages during service
- Follow the applicable Crusader / PCM service procedure for torque specifications
- Verify stable operating temperature after startup
Technical FAQ
Why 143°F and not a higher temperature?
Raw-water cooling systems are designed to run cooler than closed-cooling systems. Fitting a 160°F or higher thermostat in a raw-water system can cause overheating, particularly in warmer ambient water temperatures or restricted-flow conditions. Use the temperature specified for your engine’s cooling-system type.
Is R026002E the same as PCM RP026002E?
The thermostat is the same. RP026002E is the PCM service kit that includes the 143°F thermostat plus a thermostat-housing gasket.
Does this thermostat fit closed-cooling (heat exchanger) systems?
No. This thermostat is specified for raw-water cooling only. Closed-cooling configurations require a different thermostat temperature and part number — confirm by your engine’s service documentation.
Cross-Reference Part Numbers
- Crusader / PCM: R026002E
- PCM Kit: RP026002E (thermostat + gasket)
- Supersedes: 96319, 96051
- Indmar: 985005
- Mercury / Quicksilver: 8M0089715
- Sierra: 18-3551
Related Parts
- Crusader Copper Thermostat Housing OEM 98202 — thermostat housing for Crusader 7.4L / 454 / 502
- Browse Thermostats & Cooling Components for all Crusader and PCM cooling parts
Parts Desk Insights
Best use case: R026002E is the standard annual-service thermostat for raw-water-cooled Crusader and PCM carbureted inboard engines — particularly the MP7.4L / 454 and PCM 5.0L / 5.8L Ford families. Whenever the thermostat housing is already open for another repair, replacing the thermostat at the same time adds minimal cost and eliminates a common cause of temperature problems down the season.
Common issue: The most frequent ordering mistake is selecting the 160°F thermostat (R026002) for a raw-water-cooled application. Both thermostats look identical — the only difference is the opening temperature stamped on the thermostat body. On a raw-water cooling system, a 160°F thermostat can cause the engine to run hot or overheat in warm summer water. Always confirm the cooling-system type (raw water vs. closed cooling) and the temperature specification from your engine’s parts diagram before ordering.
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
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