I am replacing the head on my truck 1988 22re and I was wanting install the front cover and then the cylinder head,but I'm not sure how to keep the chain tensioner from extending all the way out? Has anyone done this before and have any advice? Can this be done?

 

You'll want to put the head on first and then install the timing chain before you put the cover on. But, to secure the tensioner, wrap some electrical tape around it while you have the tensioner dampener compressed.

 

When I did mine I forgot to tape the tensioner down. When I was putting it back together the chain didn't seem long enough to get the cam sprocket on, but it you turn the crank back and forth while pulling the chain upwards it will depress the tensioner. I had to do it this way because my cover was already installed.

 

Did you have any trouble with putting the cover on first it seems to me that it would be easier to do this way?

 

I'll bet that was fun....

(That's why I suggest putting the head on first.)

 

Why do you wish to put the cover on first? Is the oil pan already on? Are you concerned about damaging the head gasket by putting the cover on after the head?

 

Is it possible to just set the head on with out tightening it down untill I get the cover on. The last time I did this I had leaks at the front cover and this is what I'm trying to prevent

 

Well, yes.....but, you run a risk of buggering up the gasket with the head just resting and shifting around on it. Really, once you have the gasket and the head down on it, moving it around after the fact opens up undesirous possibilities.

I'm curious. Did you not use RTV at the recommended locations last time?

 

I used rtv where the manual showed to but it still leaked and yes the oil pan is on now?

 

Oh, I see. The motor must still be in the vehicle, then.

Okay......well, try fishon's approach. It's obvioulsy quite doable that way.

Maybe look over this page before you continue, though:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ingChain.shtml