I'm replacing the oil pan liquid gasket on a 2000 accord 3.0l v6. I got the oil pan out easily enough but I can't seem to get the oil pan back in now. Every time I try with gasket on it, the gasket rubs off on part of the transmission. Is there something I'm missing here to make reinstall easier? I'm hesitant to remove that subframe rail unless someone can tell me if that's safe to do so, or if there's a proper way to support things while doing so.

 

Questions ...
Is the gasket on the oil pan when you try to install the pan?
Could it be possible to install the gasket first using stick spray then move the oil pan into position?
Or is the clearance so tight that only lowering the subframe would work?