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Suspending Mack E6/E7/E9 Tappets Cleanly
Precision valvetrain component reconditioning guidelines for fleet maintenance mechanics.
Pulling a camshaft out of an E7 block inside a cramped vocational chassis? Master the exact technical blueprint to secure your roller lifters using the ATC37720 holding tool.

Why Multi-Component Threaded Rods Outsmart Universal Shop Magnets
Vocational Mack trucks like the RD or Granite series feature tight firewall layouts where vertical overhead clearance above the pushrod tubes is highly limited. Trying to slide long, single-piece lifter rods down through the top-deck opening can be an impossible headache. Furthermore, attempting to use simple telescopic magnets to secure caked, oil-heavy roller lifters is extremely risky; magnetic fields can fail instantly if bumped, dropping the lifter into the block. The ATC37720 kit answers this field constraint. Its specialized rods are machined in two separate pieces, allowing a technician to screw the segments together right as they enter the pushrod opening. Once it captures the lifter, a robust rubber grommet slides down the shaft to wedge tightly against the casing deck, creating a reliable mechanical lock.
The 5-Step Roller Lifter Suspension Sequence
- 场地Tear Down and Pushrod Port Cleaning: Disconnect the battery terminals. Remove the valve covers, rocker arms, and pushrods. Clean out any sludge or carbon crust from the pushrod tube openings using compressed air to ensure smooth tool movement.
- Assemble and Thread the Rods In-Frame: Guide the lower segment of the ATC37720 rod into the pushrod opening. As space permits, thread the upper rod segment tightly onto the lower piece. Lower the full rod down until its tip engages firmly with the roller lifter head.
- Clear the Camshaft Lobe: Slowly and carefully lift the threaded tool rod upward. This vertical draw pulls the roller lifter up inside its bore, clearing the profile of the camshaft lobe. Be careful not to pull too fast to prevent the lifter from jamming at the top of its travel.
- Slide the Friction Grommet Stop Home: While holding the tool rod at its highest point, slide the high-friction rubber kit grommet down the shaft. Push the grommet firmly against the engine block deck face. This friction lock supports the tool weight and holds the lifter suspended safely. Repeat this process for all remaining cylinders.
- Execute Cam Overhaul and Reassembly: With all lifters firmly secured, slide the old camshaft out of the front of the block. Slip your new replacement cam in place. Once the new lobes are positioned, slide the grommets up the rods to lower the lifters back onto the cam tracks, then unscrew and remove the tools.
CRITICAL VALVETRAIN VERIFICATION DIRECTIVE:
Always verify that every single rubber friction grommet is tight on the tool shaft before pulling the camshaft out. If a grommet is worn or contaminated with slick engine oil, it can slide, releasing the lifter prematurely. Wipe the rods clean with solvent before sliding the grommets down to ensure an absolute friction lock.
Precision Lifter Control. Eliminate Dropped Tappet Reworks.
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