Crankcase Head 1975 50 HP

[Tryinboatin]

Good Day All:

Thanks for your help.

I'm swapping a 1971 50 hp powerhead to a 1975 50 hp engine (50ESL75B). The 1971 is about .050" too wide at the O-ring boss to fit between the steering arms. I plan to file or grind the O-ring at its outermost edge just enough so it'll pass through, but not so much that O-ring wouldn't seal against the exhaust plate. Am I a dope?