Cracked upper oil pan around oil sending unit-Alternatives to replacing the pan?

[1998yellowstang]

The motor I bought was from a car that was involved in a collision. I got a really good deal because the upper oil pan where the oil sending unit is, is cracked. Does this look like it can somehow be repaired without replacing the entire upper oil pan? I would prefer not doing that, if at all possible. However, I do not want to cut corners on this if I really need to replace it, as the motor is already out of the car. If I do need to go ahead and replace it, how difficult is it with the motor out of the car? From the little research Ive done, it seems like everybody says this is a difficult task. Is this due to the fact that you have to drop the front subframe? Is the install fairly straight forward with the motor already out of the car? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[evildky]

What mounts to that hole? anything? Does the crack go through the pan or is it just the mounting ear? if it's just a mounting ear and whatever bolts to it has adequate other mounting and it's not through the case I'd leave it, it does require removing the front timing cover to get the oil pan off IIRC. You do not need to remove the crossmember if you take the engine out the top/front.

[1998yellowstang]

Sorry, I didnt give you enough details on the picture. My new motor has two problems. The first is the cracked mounting ear that is on the far right side of the picture. I think the idler pulley mounts to it, so I am not really concerened about it.

However, the second issue is at the bottom of the picture. It is the mounting ear that is sheered off. That is where the oil sending unit screws into. Obviously, it has to be screwed in tight in order to prevent oil from coming out of it.

The motor is currently on a engine stand, so if I need to replace the upper oil pan, now would be the time. However, I would prefer not going that route unless I absolutely have to.

With the motor on a engine stand, is the replacement of the upper oil pan very difficult?

[evildky]

It looks like you have plenty of thread to engage the sender. I would go ahead and replace the pan, it's much easier now than later. There are a couple of bolts located inside the oil pan making removal even more tricky. It's also a good idea to add the oil pan and pickup spacer while you are at it. Just be sure to remove the dipstick first, it goes through a tube cast into the pan.