I got this AC Delco gasket from walmart.com. And I guess there must have been a problem with the handling of the gasket, which left it bent. Is this simply a matter of straightening it? Or should I just return it and buy one at the dealership (that I can inspect before taking it home)?

 

IF it can be straightened easily enough to function properly, I see no issue. It's not exactly a high stress critical part.

 

On the other hand, it’s not an easy part to replace should it leak.