Spark plug replacement

[matt09524]

So Im replacing the spark plugs on my 97 sunfire. I'm wondering, do I NEED to buy a torque wrench or is there some equivelent brute strength I could compare it to without having the buy one?

[ctesla]

your plugs are tapered seats, so anywhere from 15-30ft/lbs.
or basically finger tightened; then with a standard ratchet or breaker bar, about 1/4 to 1/2 turn more.
the tapering will seat into the head, you just want to basically snug the metal on metal union up so the compression and road vibration will not break this. I am pretty sure if yours is a 2.4L that it is an aluminum head, so DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN, or as a general rule, change when the plugs and engine is hot, as you do not want to strip the head.
so a decent turn with mild pressure; putting a lid on a jar so it won't leak in the fridge, but not enough you have to fight it off.
good enough?
hope this helps,
chris

[matt09524]

that sounds about what I did. I have fat fingers so I really could not get them "finger tight" so I used a ratchet. It go to the point where it would not tighten anymore with minimal strength applied so I put some strength into it and turned it maybe 1/8 to 1/4 turn more with the ratchet (I don't even think it was that much). It started up nice and easy. Now I just need to get a new o2 sensor and see if my CES light goes out :P

[hotbug1776]

use the socket and an extension and then tighten just like you were touching the plug...I got fat fingers too LOL