Transmission pan bolts loose?

Hey guys, just found a small leak coming from the back of my transmission pan. It isnt even enough to form a drip, just a streak of film that reaches the front of the pan. I figured I'd check how tight the pan bolts are just to see if they were loose, and they were. Because I just moved, I dont have access to all of my dads tools such as a torque wrench so I barely tightened them with a ratchet. Are they easily torqued past spec, or are they supposed to not be tight? I'm familiar with guessing how tight is good, but ALL of the bolts were easily tightened an additional quarter turn if not more. I have a torque wrench on the way, but just wondering what your guys experience is.

 

I actually don't use torque wrenches on most pans, I go by feel because you're crushing the gasket and the aluminum is very soft and easy to break threads.

Becareful, stick to 1/4" and just gentle tighten is all it needs.

 

That's what I did, but it was concerning that all of the bolts needed to be tightened. The transmission was just replaced a couple months ago, maybe the gasket finally seated from heat cycling and needed retorquing?

 

I only ever use a 1/4" ratchet

 

yeah they don't need to be that tight. if you crush the gasket too much it will leak

Edit: unless you deleted it and just use rtv

 

^^ This. Torque spec is for noobs anyways. Seriously.