So I did the valve cover gaskets and PCV hoses and gasket on my 2000 E320 Wagon M112 V6(only took me 7 1/2 hours because I'm the world's fastest). I was short on cash, and even if I had money my brother was in the 300SDL, so I tightened it without a torque wrench.

I didn't go crazy, I used a 1/4 ratchet and applied torque near the head of the ratchet.
Has anyone gotten away without using one?

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.