There is a spring in the tensioner that pushes the plunger out. Given that once the plunger moves out there is a stepped ratchet that prevents it from retracting, you can not simply screw it in. You have to disassemble it, install the housing, then the plunger and spring and finally the cap. If you just screwed in the new tensioner you put WAY too much pressure on the chain and other timing components, that's why you heard a noise. Depending on how long it ran in this condition, damage may already be done.

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90 300TE 4-M
Turbo 103, T3/T04E 50 trim
T04B cover .60 AR
Stage 3 turbine .63 AR
A2W I/C, 40 LB/HR
MS2E, 60-2 Direct Coil Control
3" Exh, AEM W/B O2
Underdrive Alt. and P/S Pulleys,
Vented Rear Discs, .034 Booster.
3.07 diffs 1st Gear Start

90 300CE 104.980
Milled & ported head, 10.3:1 compression
197° intake cam w/20° advancer
Tuned CIS ECU
4° ignition advance
PCS TCM2000, built 722.6
600W networked suction fan
Sportline sway bars
V8 rear subframe, Quaife ATB 3.06 diff