Damage to middle iron part 2
 

I was cleaning up the irons for final assembly when I found damage from the iron falling over onto some tools. Its on the outer most side of the outer water seal. How much of the sealing is the outside of the seal doing? Is this going to seal or am I going to end up with a leak?

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._4074454_n.jpg

Obviously I don't want to hear replace, because I have all the parts laid out and ready for assembly. That's what this morning was all about, FINALLY getting the engine assembled. BUT I'd rather get some opinions of experienced builders and do the right thing than put the engine together incorrectly.

I would think you'd be fine, since the part that's affected doesn't really seal anyway. I mean, that is outside the outermost seal. The only way I could see a problem is if the little portion that is pushed in towards the seal causes any problems (I don't think it would), if the dent is so deep that it doesn't support the seal enough and it ends up pushing out a bit, or if somehow it's mis-shapen in a way that keeps the iron and housing from making full contact all the way around, which it doesn't look to be the case.

Then again, I've only built one of my engines and a couple others, so I wouldn't say I'm "experienced" haha.

But from my view, I think it's usable.

I don't think I would be afraid of it, but it is hard to tell from the picture. As long as the groove is intact and can support the seal (keep it from blowing out) you should be fine.

how deep did it dent? on a location like that you may want to use a little RTV or JB Weld just to be sure.

+1

I'd just put some JB Weld on it after it's assembled to make absolutely sure the seal is perfect

IN the dent, not just over it after the sandwich is sandwiched. Delicately sanded flat, too, of course.