01 2.4 timing chain tensioner problems

Replaced the timing chain, sprockets and cyl head on my 2.4 GA The car has been running fine, but the chain is noisy at idle. When I intially took the tensioner off the piston fell out so i looked it over reassembled it, and it appeared to be in good shape. When I re installed the tensioner it was loose and sloppy. I figured when the car was cranked up oil pressure would send the piston out and take up the chain slack. It is almost like it is bleeding down at idle/shut off. Took the front timing cover off and the piston in the tensioner is retracting when the car is shut off leaving the chain temporarily sloppy. Most tensioners I have seen have a check ball or ratchet system that keeps tension on the chain even when the car is not running.....is this a poor design or did i do something wrong?

If you used the old tensioner its probly bad/broken.
These are held out by a spring inside the piston, not oil pressure, so it should be always tight.

Thanks That is probably why it sounds like a diesel!! A spring?...no wonder GM is in the toilet