Sliding Timing Chain and Sprocket Back on Cam

[Smith1000]

I am pulling the head off my 89 2.4. I slid the chain and sprocket off the cam. Before going any further, I checked to see if it would slide back on, but it is too low. There isn't enough slack in the chain.

I have been following the Haynes Manual, but it doesn't say anything about the tensioner. Just says to slide it off and wedge a piece of wood in there to hold the chain in place. Installation says to work the chain back on the sprocket and then slide the sprocket back on the cam. Bolt it on. Sounds easy enough, but it seems I am missing some critical information pertaining to tension on the chain not allowing reinstallation.

Is there a way to back off the chain tension without completely pulling the front cover off? I tried to use a long screw drive to press the guide back, but nothing gives. Thanks.

[Smith1000]

Got it figured out. Retracted the tensioner in clicks with a long wood drill bit. Once retracted, I was able to wedge a piece of wood in there to hold the position on the crankshaft. Removed the head. The gasket is blown between cyls 3 and 4. The space between 1 and 2 was soon to go. Appears to be due to overtorqued head bolts. The metal from the gasket was squeezed into the cylinders.

[truckdude239]

my head gasket in my 87 went in the same places

[jjh1976]

i have an 892.4 and it blew between 3and 4 that was 100000 miles agoand is still going strong

[vonrothbard]

How exactly did you use the lon wood dril bit to back off the iming chain tensioner in clicks?