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Extracting a worn camshaft or performing top-end overhaul work on a Mack E6, E7, or E9 diesel engine? Follow this step-by-step professional workshop procedure to set up the ATC37720 two-piece holding rods, elevate tappets clear of cam lobes, lock retention grommets, and remove the camshaft safely without dropping components into lifter bores.

Why Improvised Lifter Retention Methods Cause Catastrophic Engine Damage

On Mack E-Series heavy-duty diesel engines, servicing the camshaft requires elevating the roller lifters so the lobe peaks can clear as the shaft is withdrawn. Technicians who attempt to hold lifters up using flexible magnets, wooden wedges, or mechanics wire encounter severe hazards. Magnets easily slip under engine vibration or oil slickness, dropping heavy roller lifters directly onto moving cam lobes. A falling lifter chips the hardened roller wheel face or jams inside the cast block bore. Worse, if a lifter falls through into the oil pan, retrieving it requires dropping the entire oil pan and front timing cover, adding hours of unbilled shop labor. In tight Mack RD cab engine compartments, rigid single-piece holding tools cannot be inserted due to low firewall clearance. The ATC37720 (J-37720C) Master Holding Kit completely solves these operational roadblocks. Designed specifically with modular two-piece threaded rods, each tool rod is assembled in-place down through the pushrod opening. Raising the tool lifts the lifter clear, and sliding the high-friction locking grommet down against the block face locks the lifter in a raised position. This provides a clean, unobstructed tunnel for the camshaft to slide out and in with 100% mechanical safety.

The 5-Step Mack Roller Lifter Retention Protocol

1. Remove Rocker Arms & Pushrods: Disassemble upper rocker arm assemblies and remove all pushrods per Mack service manual guidelines. Store pushrods in order for reassembly.
2. Assemble & Insert ATC37720 Two-Piece Rods: In tight cab environments (e.g., Mack RD cabs), thread the lower rod section into the upper rod section as you guide the assembly down through the pushrod opening until the tip contacts the roller lifter/tappet base.
3. Elevate Roller Lifters Clear of Cam Lobes: Slowly raise the ATC37720 rod upward to lift the roller lifter out of its resting position until the roller wheel completely clears the top profile of the camshaft lobe.
4. Slide Friction Grommet to Lock Lifter Position: Slide the included high-friction retention grommet down the steel rod shaft until it sits firmly against the top deck face of the pushrod opening. *Verify the lifter remains securely held in the raised position.*
5. Repeat for All Cylinders & Remove Camshaft: Repeat Steps 2 through 4 across all cylinder locations. Once every lifter is verified suspended and clear, proceed with front gear cover removal and slide the camshaft out smoothly. Reverse procedure upon camshaft reinstallation.

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