After 3 days of troubleshooting, I still can't figure out why the timing chain is too short to go around the camgear and then slip onto the camshaft.

1. There are no kinks in the chain. The chain is smooth when I rotate the crank in both directions while hodling tension on the chain.
2. tensioner is not installed
3. the chain is the correct length, 96 links

I'm thinking of cutting the chain, pulling it out, and then rerouting a new chain. Is that possible to do? I'm open to other ideas or if someone in the SanDiego area is willing to come to the rescue, I'd greatly appreciate it.

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1991 190e 2.6 190,000mi