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Just checking out a crank which I plan to use in a cheap rebuild, all checks out fine except this gouge on the drive side, I'm guessing at some point the sealing plate for the drive side oil seal wasn't flush or came loose and left the mark you see in the picture, its probably about 1mm deep. Is it ok to use it? also I tried it in the engine case and it was a very loose fit on the drive side bearing, I'm going to replace the bearing but will it be the same I wonder and same question again- will it cause problems and should I just bin the crank? cheers for your time Paul

crank 1 by paul martin, on Flickr

Can't see a problem, as the seal is on the shoulder and not on the damaged area

I'd use that crank again.

Is it Indian with an ally seal plate?
These plates can cause this type of wear largely because the Halite washer used underneath is too thick for the job.
For this reason I don't use Halite washers anymore. I prefer to make up an O-ring of the correct diameter rubber which sits in the space between the outermost part of the bearing and the seal plate. This allows the plate to sit squarely down. No more distortion and the flexibility of the O-ring makes a more effective seal. Win Win.
Providing the bearing surfaces of this crank check out ok then it should be ok to re-use. The groove won't make any difference.

Yeah on the subject of bearing faces - I was wondering about the cranks loose fit in the drive side bearing. Will pop a piccie up soon to see what you all think. Cheers Paul

Crank should be an interference fit in the drive side bearing,if it isn't either the bearing is out or the shoulder of the crank is out.

if the crank is still an easy fit with the new bearing you could use a small amount of stud lock, but only on the crank, dont get it in the bearing, i would consider getting a new big end bearing fitted while its out, will be as good as new then, one less thing to fail in the future, a good builder will make sure its true as well.