I've replaced the head gasket in my 95 E320 Wagon with help from the Head Gasket Replacement article - it's a huge help and an even better service - thanks. I do have a couple of questions I need answered to satisfy myself that I did it correctly.
Here goes - First, the intake cam timing. Crank is at TDC, cams are aligned and do not move off the dowel marks and I rotate the gear sprocket clockwise to retard the timing. The gear will only turn 10 degrees or so. Is this correct ? The gear pointer seems to be aligned at the sender unit.

Second question. The chain tensioner appers to be a different type than the one described in the article, maybe mine is a later type. It doesn't seem to be a ratcheting type. Should I install this the same way; the body first, then the spring and plunger and end cap ? However,the chain does seem to be very tight with the tensioner tightened down. I can't manually turn the engine from the crank bolt for instance.