Timing Chain Install

[TheDrumAndTheBass]

OK, I', putting my head back together after changing out my head gasket and ran into what is seeming to me to be a major problem. I can't get my timing chain/sprocket back on. I can get the camshaft sproket onto the camshaft, but not with the timing chain on it. But if I try to put the timing chain on the sprocket forst, then there is not enough slack in the timing chain for me to get the sprocket onto the camshaft. And yes before it is asked (which I'm sure it will be) I got all this done without taking the front cover off. Is it possible to get everything back together without having to take the front cover off to get the timing chain on? From what I can see I have the timing chain running where it should be. (One the appropriate side of the chain guide and everything. Can I just take a good bit of slack out through the chain tensioner? Or must I take the front cover off to do this also? All the help I can get would be appricated. I havn't been able to drive the car since I bought it do to the head gasket, and am getting quite anxious to get behind the wheel now that I'm almost done with everything.Ryan

[180fan]

have you tried loosening the chain tensioner before attempting to put it all back together?

[U12 2NR]

sounds like the tensioner is causing it..you would have to take the cover off.