fin damage .. what to do if anything?

so i got this here fin damage on right side head. Looks like its been this way quite a while.

It doesnt look like too much surface area loss, but it could create a uneven cooling or a hotspot in the head, and that concerns me -- maybe it shouldnt?


Aside from some new aluminum stock and jbweld (or a tig welder), anyone have suggestions on how treat this damage? shoudl i even worry?

 

You could have the fin built up with weld, but unless you are concerned about looks it isn't necessary for such a small amount of missing fin.

 

+1

 

+1

 

You dodged a bullet.
If the Head got cracked closer to the Half-moon Plug, ... you might have sustained damage that would have created a leak and put you in a tough spot.

I don't think you'll have a cooling issue.

The thing to do is "Dress" the damaged area.
A DREMEL with a Medium sanding drum will let you smooth-out and round-off the portions that L@@K damaged.

You can also File those surfaces.
To prevent the File from "Loading-up" with alloy, ... apply Blackboard Chalk to the File before attacking the jagged edges.

If chalked, ... the File can be slapped against a Hammer Handle dislodging the buildup ... whereupon you re-chalk the File and continue.

 

Rick

Cool tip on the file chalking

 

As stated. Dremel time

 

My 550 has the corners knocked off a couple of fins too. I did as suggested above, carefully dressed them with my Dremel and they're virtually unnoticeable.

 

I had a friend who tried to get matching dings on his KZ but you sound too conscientious for that!