Locking Timing Chain Tensioner?

[illSHOyou]

Whats the best way to compress the timing chain tensioner and lock it into position? I have the motor times at #1 TDC and pulling the front head off, but I need to release the timing chain and not damage the tensioner. Whats the best way to go about this?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

There's a small hole on the front to stick in a paperclip to keep it from extending.

To retract it you'll need a small slotted screwdriver to release the ratchet via the larger hole on the front while compressing the piston back with a set of channel locks; then you insert the paperclip.

 

[illSHOyou]

There's a small hole on the front to stick in a paperclip to keep it from extending.

To retract it you'll need a small slotted screwdriver to release the ratchet via the larger hole on the front while compressing the piston back with a set of channel locks; then you insert the paperclip.

Thanks Mr. A