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Mack E6 E7 E9 Roller Lifter Holding Procedure: ATC37720 Professional Step-by-Step Guide

Detailed step-by-step guide for Mack E6 E7 E9 tappet holding using ATC37720 kit.

ATC37720 Mack roller lifter tappet holding kit procedure on E6 E7 E9 engine

By Blog Admin • January 05, 2026 • Posted in Products, Diesel Tools

This 10-phase procedure uses the ATC37720 kit to safely hold roller lifters/tappets on Mack E6, E7, and E9 engines during camshaft removal. Optimized for RD Cabs, it prevents damage and ensures OEM compliance—essential for professional Mack service.

Introduction: Essential Lifter Holding for Camshaft Service

In Mack E6, E7, and E9 engines, roller lifters must be held clear of cam lobes during removal to prevent damage or misalignment. The ATC37720 kit, equivalent to J-37720-C, uses modular rods and grommets for secure holding, especially in confined RD Cab spaces—transforming a risky task into a controlled, efficient process.

Phase 1-3: Engine Preparation & Access

Consult service manual and park engine securely – Verify torque specs; chock wheels if vehicle-mounted
Remove valve covers and rocker arms – Label components; drain oil if needed to avoid spills
Expose pushrod openings – Clean area; inspect lifters for wear or preload issues
Assemble two-part rods by screwing together – Ensure tight connection for stability
Gather kit: rods, grommets, and safety gear – Confirm all parts are intact

Phase 4-6: Initial Lifter Contact & Lift

Lower assembled rod into first pushrod opening – Guide slowly to contact roller lifter/tappet base
Apply gentle upward pressure – Feel for contact; avoid excessive force
Lift rod slightly to clear cam lobe – Rotate engine if needed for lobe positioning (TDC preferred)
Verify tappet elevation – Lifter should be 0.020–0.050″ above lobe without binding
Prepare grommet for holding – Slide to ready position on rod shaft
Check for lobe clearance visually – Ensure no contact on adjacent lobes

Phase 7-9: Secure Holding & Multi-Cylinder Repeat

CRITICAL: ATC37720 Secure Holding Setup

Slide grommet down rod to lock tappet – Position to hold elevation firmly without slippage
Test hold by gentle shake – Confirm stability before proceeding
Repeat process on remaining cylinders – Work sequentially; rotate engine as needed
Monitor for uniform clearance – All lifters should clear lobes evenly
Inspect rods for stress – No bending; re-tighten joints if loose
Document each cylinder hold – Note for reassembly reference

Phase 10: Camshaft Removal & Post-Hold Inspection

With all tappets held, loosen camshaft retainers – Follow manual torque sequence in reverse
Slide camshaft forward and remove – Support to avoid lobe nicks; inspect for wear
Verify all holds remain secure – No drops during extraction
Clean cam bore and inspect lifters – Remove any debris; measure preload if required
Prepare for reinstallation – Lube lobes; reverse procedure carefully
Final engine rotation check – Confirm no binding post-service

Critical Safety Warnings: Lifter Holding Procedure

MUST AVOID THESE FATAL ERRORS:

❌ Never skip manual consultation – Outdated steps risk engine damage ($2,000+)
❌ Never force rod insertion – Bends components, causes misalignment
❌ Never under-lift tappets – Lobe contact scores cam ($1,500–$4,000)
❌ Never omit grommet lock – Drops lead to contamination ($5,000+)
❌ Never work without labeling – Reassembly errors bend valves
❌ Never ignore joint tightness – Loose rods fail in tight spaces
❌ Never skip post-inspection – Hidden issues emerge on startup
❌ Never proceed without PPE – Gloves/eye protection for oil/debris

Professional Service Documentation

Service Phase	Documentation Required	Complete?
Pre-Service	Manual reference, lifter inspection photos, RD Cab notes	□
Rod Assembly	Joint torque check, component inventory	□
Lifter Lift	Clearance measurements per cylinder, lobe positions	□
Grommet Secure	Hold test results, multi-cylinder sequence	□
Cam Removal	Retainer torque log, cam condition photos	□
Post-Inspection	Bore clean verification, reassembly plan	□
Final Approval	Technician signature, manual compliance, warranty notes	□

Why ATC37720 Eliminates Risky Cam Service

Traditional Risky Methods:

❌ Manual holding → Drops ($1,500–$4,000 cam damage)
❌ Single-part tools → RD Cab inaccessibility
❌ No grommets → Unstable holds, misalignment
❌ 2–4 hour delays → $300+/hour downtime
❌ Non-OEM → Warranty voids

ATC37720 Professional Advantages:

✅ Two-part rods for tight spaces
✅ Grommet-locked security
✅ J-37720-C exact equivalent
✅ 60% faster multi-cylinder holds
✅ Zero drops or contamination
✅ OEM-compliant precision
✅ Protects against $8,800–$20,700 losses
✅ Repeatable for 1,000+ services

Hold Professionally. Safeguard Mack Engines. Streamline Overhauls.

Get ATC37720 – $580.00

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