Water Heaters - leaky top

I have a propane water heater that is about 10 years old and works just fine. The other day the dimple in the top (looks like an overflow reservoir that doesn't do anything and is not attached to anything) started leaking due to rust..it looks like it is rusted pretty well though...my question is can I repair it? Would it be alright to put some epoxy in the holes and maybe even epoxy a metal cover? Do I have to worry about holding any kind of pressure in the tank? I think this heater has some life left in it so I'd like to save it. Any advice?

Well first we need you to answer some questions.

First is it possible to get a picture of what you are talking about to us?

What brand water heater is it?

I have no clue what you are talking about when you refer to this dimple.
Typically, a normal water heater has a cold inlet, a hot outlet, a blank plug looking thing which is where the anode rod is, a flue connection, and occasionally the relief valve port, on the top of a gas water heater.. But many relief valves are on the side near the top of the heater.

I am going to say that if you do not find any water leaks around the water inlet or outlet pipes or fittings,you are in need of a new water heater.

A picture would tell me a lot more.

let us know, Mark

To avoid the headaches of the small leak turning into a major problem I would replace the water heater. It's not a good idea to try to patch a water heater.