Quick question/confirmation about pan gasket

[rumblecloud]

I'm just changing out the trans fluid and filter and the pan gasket that came with the kit is rubber (or something resembling rubber). It was all tangled up in the packaging and as a result does not lay flat - which I am assuming will make it difficult to stay/hold in place when I get to the part about replacing the pan. I have it laying in the sun but so far it doesn't seem to be flattening out.
My question is would is be a no-no to put some dabs of gasket seal on the gasket to hold it down while I install the pan?
I've not done this job before and it's pretty simple - I just want it to continue to be that. I'll attempt ot install it without the sealer - maybe it won't be as bad as I am imagining. Everything is now really clean. I'm going to repaint the bottom of the pan before I re-install.

Thanks...film at 11:00

 

[Uncle Gump]

I don't like putting any sealer on the Trans pan.

I usually put a few bolts through the pan and gasket to position it. Start each bolts a couple turns... then use a pocket screwdriver to move the gasket if necessary to start the rest of the bolts.

Remember... you can ways tighten a little more... but if you crush the gasket while tightening... you start over.

 

[rumblecloud]

Thank you my friend. Appreciate the quick response.
The pan is drying now after a couple coats of rustoleum. Gasket is starting to flatten - not perfect, but good enough.
Off now to finish the job. ...

 

[Shran]

I use a bit of grease on those to help stick it in place, nothing else. RTV and stuff are a definite no-no, chunks can fall off and migrate into the valve body.

 

[rumblecloud]

Turns out the holes in the gasket were a tad smaller than the bolt threads, so ...
I threaded a bunch of the bolts thru the gasket and all went in swimmingly. There were two that were a bit off-center, but with coaxing, they fell into line. Went for a long drive and and didn't notice any leaks. Tomorrow morning will tell the truth though.

 

[rumblecloud]

Morning look see showed no leaks. Didn't crawl under it though.