Crusader / PCM R028001 Water-Cooled Exhaust Manifold | Ford 302 / 351 | Port or Starboard
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Part Details
- Part Number: R028001
- Brand: Crusader / PCM (Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group) — Genuine OEM
- Official Product Type: Water-Cooled Center-Rise Exhaust Manifold
- Engine Displacement: Ford 302 CID / 5.0L and 351 CID / 5.8L V8
- Construction: Cast iron with integrated water-cooling jacket
- Design: Center-rise, reversible — fits port or starboard engine bank
- Cylinder-Head Mounting: 8 bolts
- System: Water-cooled marine exhaust
- Weight (approx.): 9 kg / approx. 19.8 lb
- Supplied Without: Cylinder-head and riser gaskets (sold separately)
What This Part Is
Crusader / PCM R028001 is the genuine OEM water-cooled center-rise exhaust manifold for Ford small-block marine engines — specifically the 302 CID / 5.0L and 351 CID / 5.8L V8 in compatible Crusader and PCM inboard applications. It collects exhaust gases from the cylinder head and routes cooling water through the manifold jacket before the exhaust exits through the riser or elbow. The casting is reversible and can be installed on either the port or starboard bank of the engine.
Compatible Applications
Fitment is confirmed by engine model, existing manifold configuration, and riser/elbow before ordering. Documented applications:
- PCM / Crusader Ford 302 CID / 5.0L V8 marine applications specifying R028001
- PCM / Crusader Ford 351 CID / 5.8L V8 marine applications specifying R028001, including Ford 351 Windsor configurations
This manifold is used with either a 3 in. R029001 exhaust elbow or a 3-1/2 in. R029011 exhaust riser/elbow depending on the installation — confirm the riser size for your engine before ordering the riser separately.
Do not confuse R028001 with later GM-based Crusader exhaust manifolds or other Ford marine manifolds that use different water passages, mounting patterns, or risers.
Port / Starboard Note
R028001 is a reversible center-rise design — the same casting installs on either the port (left) or starboard (right) engine bank. Confirm the water-fitting and riser orientation matches the existing configuration for your engine before installation.
When to Replace
Replace the exhaust manifold if inspection reveals any of the following:
- Rust-through or external coolant seepage on the manifold body
- Internal water-jacket corrosion or scaling
- Restricted or blocked cooling-water passages
- Cracks in the casting
- Exhaust leakage at the cylinder-head or riser flange
- Evidence of water entering the exhaust ports
- Failed pressure test
Marine exhaust manifolds carry both hot exhaust gas and cooling water. Internal corrosion can become serious even when the outside of the casting still appears serviceable — inspect water passages during annual service.
Service Interval
Inspect annually for cracks, corrosion, and water-passage condition. Replace immediately if any leakage, cracking, or restricted flow is found. On saltwater-operated engines, internal corrosion of the cooling passages is the primary failure mode and may not be visible from the outside.
Installation Notes
- Inspect cylinder-head exhaust ports and sealing surfaces for warping or damage before fitting the new manifold
- Install new manifold-to-head gaskets — see RM0007 Exhaust Manifold Gasket
- Install new manifold-to-riser gaskets — see REC96562 Riser Gasket
- Inspect the exhaust riser or elbow for internal corrosion and replace if questionable — see R029011 3-1/2 in. Exhaust Riser/Elbow
- Verify all cooling-water passages are clear before assembly
- Check all cooling-water fittings and hose connections
- Follow the applicable PCM / Crusader service procedure for mounting-hardware torque sequence
- Confirm water-fitting and riser orientation matches the existing engine configuration (port vs. starboard)
Technical FAQ
How do I know if my exhaust manifold needs replacing?
Common signs include coolant seeping from the manifold body, exhaust odour in the engine compartment, overheating caused by blocked cooling passages, and exhaust leaks at the cylinder-head joint. On saltwater engines, internal corrosion may not be visible from outside — test cooling-water flow and inspect passages during annual service.
Do I need to replace the gaskets when installing a new manifold?
Yes. Always install new manifold-to-head and manifold-to-riser gaskets. Reusing old gaskets risks exhaust leakage and cooling-system failures immediately after the repair.
Is this manifold side-specific?
No. R028001 is a reversible center-rise design that can be installed on either the port or starboard engine bank. Confirm that water-fitting and riser orientation suits your engine’s configuration.
Which riser or elbow does this manifold use?
R028001 is used with either the 3 in. R029001 exhaust elbow or the 3-1/2 in. R029011 exhaust riser, depending on the installed exhaust configuration. Confirm which riser your engine uses before ordering a replacement.
Cross-Reference Part Numbers
- Crusader / PCM OEM: R028001
- Sierra: 18-1996
- GLM: 54250
- Osco: 28001
- Mallory: 9-40800
Related Parts
- Crusader / PCM Exhaust Riser 3-1/2 in. R029011 — OEM elbow assembly for this manifold
- RM0007 Exhaust Manifold-to-Head Gasket — replace at every manifold installation
- RM0276 Exhaust Manifold-to-Cylinder Head Gasket
- REC96562 Riser Gasket — replace at every riser installation
- Browse Crusader Marine Engine Parts for all exhaust and engine components
Parts Desk Insights
Best use case: R028001 is the correct OEM replacement for PCM and Crusader Ford 302/351 owners dealing with a failed or corroded water-cooled exhaust manifold. It is particularly well-suited for higher-hour saltwater-operated engines where internal cooling-passage corrosion is the most common failure mode, and for owners who want to restore to factory specification.
Common issue: The most frequent mistake is replacing the manifold without inspecting the exhaust riser and elbow at the same time. On a high-hour engine, if the manifold has corroded through, the riser is likely in similar condition. A corroded or restricted riser can shorten the life of a new manifold and, in severe cases, allow cooling water to reach the exhaust ports. Replacing both the manifold and riser together during a single service event avoids a repeat job shortly after.
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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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.
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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.
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