'94 E320 cam chain tensioner question
 

First of all, I would like to thank ALL of the guys on this site that gave me info on the head gasket replacement on my wifes '94 E320. I am just about to start it after I put in the radiator in and hook back up the exhaust pipes to the manafolds. I have been a Diesel man and this is the first gasser I have tore into. MAN.... Alot of stuff to undo and reinstall on that beast!!

I tried to reinstall the cam chain tensioner and it got snug before it would screw all the way in. I then removed it and remembered hearing that it "ratcheted". I then took it apart and re installed the ratcheting plunger from the hex head end. I installed the tensioner body then installed the spring and end cap.

QUESTION... Do I need to preload the tensioner or will the oil pressure do that?
Did I hurt anything by trying to install the tensioner without re setting the plunger?

I'm working from memory, but I'm quite sure you reinstalled it correctly. When you reinstalled the plunger, it should have ratcheted to its "rough" tension to remove the gross slack in the chain. Once you start the engine, oil pressure will take up the remaining slack and put a constant tension on the chain.

Thankfully you had the presense of mind to stop when the tensioner got snug. Some people just crank it down and post back with problems that their guide rails broke shortly after changing the head gasket.

Close call.. see that mistake all the time..see cams snap right in half.......Big $$$$ over-sight.

You are fine..the spring/cap set the position after plunger is installed.

WOW...Thanks guys!

Got the engine running today and she PURRS!! No noise at all. The only issue was getting the cooling system bled out. I started and ran it for a few minutes and I just didn't think that the block had filled with coolant. I pulled the thermostat and the block didn't have alot of coolant in it. I filled the block through the thermostat housing and away we went.
Thanks Again!!! Chris