I really don't want to seal the gasket to the block, in fact thats probably the last thing I want to do. Then when I have to change it again (which I will because s*** like that always happens to me) it will be fused to the block and I'll never be able to get it off. I'd rather mess with it for an extra 15 minutes with some help and save my self loads of grief down the road. The help is more competent than I am, so I'm content to sit here and watch family guy for an hour.
This is not true. The raw cork fuses itself to the cast iron of the block. Once coated with Permatex it is much easier and cleaner to remove. Even Toyota reccomends sealing the corners-I just put a very light coat on the whole thing and it makes it much easier to remove next time.
That's exactly what I did when I changed out mine - it took me forever to clean off the old gasket stuck on there. I put a small amount on the corners as specified in the FSM, then a thin bead around the whole thing. No leaks over a year later.
Also, check and/or re-torque the bolts every now and again. I had to tighten (very slightly) a few after a little while. Last I checked, all is good.
I ended up using no sealant at all, instead I got some help and layed the gasket up against the block, then used a floor jack to lift up the pan, as soon as the pan got close we both threaded the screws on for the corners on, and the whole thing went super smoothly. Turns out I didn't have to remove the "hoop" all the way, undoing the screw on the side let it wiggle enough for me to slide the cover back into place. The old gasket I took off had not been sealed in any way, and it came off perfectly. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
