Help - oil pan is cracked

[70GS455]

I've had an oil leak out of my 16 y.o. son's 97 5.0 Mountaineer for a few days now and decided to check it out. While under it, I noticed a hairline crack in the oil pan, about 2 inches long, directly above (and parallel to) the power steering rack/pinion cylinder. It was still warm and leaking pretty good. I added 3 quarts to get it to the "full" line. I put a pan under it and checked it this morning and didn't leak very much at all overnight (maybe 1-2 tablespoons?). So what can cause this? How do I need to fix it? Pull the engine, or just weld it from the outside? TIA.

 

[section525]

A member here, coolchriscush, had this same problem. His cracked from getting it airborne though. Not saying thats what your kid did though. If I remember correctly, he had his pan replaced which required removing the motor.

Here's his thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60849

 

[70GS455]

Thanks !!