An inter stage seal housing for a turbine engine having upper and lower half inter stage seal housings in which a contact sealing surface of the seal housing is restored after an interval of engine operation. This ensures that air is present in the cylinder in a space where fuel will be admitted and combustion will occur. Foams of various metals, such as aluminum, titanium, nickel, copper, iron, zinc, lead, silver, gold, platinum, tantalum, and alloys based on these metals, may be used.