EZ RED 3/4 extendable ratchet

[csargents1546]

I ordered an EZ red 3/4 ratchet from tooltopia last week. I got tired of beating myself up torqing down the head bolts on a diesel with just a 1/2 drive long handle ratchet.
It showed up at work in the nic of time. I needed it about an hour after it arrived. I can't believe the difference it makes. With it extend out to full length, it required little or no effort. The only problem was trying to get two bolts back by the bulkhead. Had to use my smaller ratchet.
All and all, I would give this tool a 4.5 out of 5. The only reason not to give it a solid 5 is the low tooth count. 25 teeth in total.
I think I got the last one that tooltopia had because now it reads as out of stock. Only paid 80 dollars for it versus the almost 400 plus for a SO one. The part # is MR34

 

[83diesel]

I have a knock off of the SO made by T&E that has a similar tooth and head. It has a collapseable handle like the EZ red which is nice for running down a bolt with the smaller handle and breaking loose or tightening with handle extended. For when using a cheater pipe I always leave it collapsed to keep from bending the ratchet handle. for the kit I got 120 dollars or 80 dollars for yours you just can't beat it. Especially considering most of the time bolts that size are impacted loose and tightened with an impact and torqued with 3/4 torque wrench if needed.

 

[diesel research]

I hate to sound like a cynic, but how exactly are you torquing cylinder head bolts with an extendable ratchet?

While many of them are not using throw-away torque to yield bolts, I am sure you are aware diesels have pretty significant cylinder pressures and like to spit head gaskets if not done with care?

[EDIT]
At first I was thinking you were only using this ratchet, but now realize you were probably using it to get them snugged and then torque with which ever tq wrench required...

 

[Hiball]

If i was just torquing down some Head bolts untill i could get a Torque wrench on them, I would use the lightest tool for the job. Especially if Clearance was a issue, Just my 2 cents.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I hate to sound like a cynic, but how exactly are you torquing cylinder head bolts with an extendable ratchet?

While many of them are not using throw-away torque to yield bolts, I am sure you are aware diesels have pretty significant cylinder pressures and like to spit head gaskets if not done with care?

[EDIT]
At first I was thinking you were only using this ratchet, but now realize you were probably using it to get them snugged and then torque with which ever tq wrench required...

I would assume its for degrees.

 

[csargents1546]

Just to clarify, when I say torqing down the bolts, I am doing it to the manufacture spec of 65 lb, 85lb, followed by three 90 degree turns. Yes I use the smallest tool possible, 1/2 torque wrench for the first two steps, then I requires some force on the last three steps. Here is a video of what I am talking about.http://http://www.youtube.com/user/srmastertech#p/u/21/LERUgOWjxwQ

It starts at 5 minutes. Then you will understand better.

 

[dankicksass]

I didn't think you could do that on a Powerstroke 6.0 with the cab on.

 

[csargents1546]

Do it all the time, at least once every couple of weeks. It is the 6.4 that you have to take the cab off.

 

[mrshaun]

i sell a ton of those to my aviation customers. they love them and i beat the matco guy by 30 bucks or more everytime and his says MATCO not ez red.
no problems since i started selling them 2 years ago or so

 

[cundifc]

Do it all the time, at least once every couple of weeks. It is the 6.4 that you have to take the cab off.

There is no way to get the heads off a 6.0 without pulling the cab. My 05 you can barely get the turbo off...

 

[csargents1546]

I beg to difffer, I pull heads on a 6.0 with out pulling the cab, the trick is you have to evacuate the a/c system and remove the condensor housing to get the bolts out of the heads. I will take some pics next head I do at work for you Cundific.

 

[cundifc]

I beg to difffer, I pull heads on a 6.0 with out pulling the cab, the trick is you have to evacuate the a/c system and remove the condensor housing to get the bolts out of the heads. I will take some pics next head I do at work for you Cundific.

Sorry about that I stand corrected. Do you have to pull the cab on the 6.4?

 

[csargents1546]

Yes and no, takes three times as long to do it in frame, vs pulling the cab.