If I understand you correctly.

1) you marked the chain relative to the cam sprocket.
2) You have not removed the IP.
3) You rotated the engine a number of time clockwise.

I think you are OK with the timing. My experience with the OM603 engine is that if you mark the chain with the cam sprocket position and turn the engine then the mark will gradually get out of sync by 1 tooth or there about per revolution. If you turn the engine counter clockwise then the mark will line up again. This is true with the OM603 as I have done 2 engines. I am not sure about the OM617 but I expect it to be the same.

btw: the chain will not jump tooth if engine is turned counterclockwise on the OM603. It is just physically impossible as it is restricted at 2 locations around the chain. I do not know about OM617.

Hope this help.

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

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