I got the new seal and put a different cover on a non dented cover. I was hoping the dent was the issue but guess not, still leaking like a shiv! the gap around the cover and damper looks to be about .030 all around. The other engine looks to be the same and it didn’t leak. I checked the drain hole and was able to blow air in it and it seemed clear. The pictures attached shows damper and damper cover gap.
1933 207 stovebolt shoved into a Chevy 1/2 ton with all the 29-32 left overs. (Woody) - all original, originally old! Courage = Being scared to death, then going to do the task anyways!