Recently remanufactured the head and block on my 1990 22-RE. Following the directions and My personal logic which might be questioonable at best I mounted the timing chain cover before the head. I was unable to get the cam sprocket mounted. Tried rocking the crank back and forth, levers, cursing, and bleeding, etc. I just couldn't get the idler piston to depress enough. I was forced to remove the head and timing chain cover to get the %$&@# thing on. Anybody know a better way to do this? Thanks eh, Me

 

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this topic has been talked about over and over

 

It's best to install the cover first as per the factory service manual...

I didn't have any problems with mine, but I have heard different people saying they compressed the tensioner with a long screwdriver...

I just wiggled the cam a little and mine snapped right on.

 

The kit came with a new guides, idler, chain, cam & crank sprocket. Tried depressing the idler with a 1.5' socket extension while pulling pulling hard on the top sprocket and rocking the crank at the same time. I did get some slack, but just couldn't get that last 1/4". I didn't want to force anything so went with plan "B". Since then, as suggested I have searched our forum and discovered I am by no means the first bleeder to have this problem. And realized that there is no easy way.
I'm looking on the bright side though, doing it myself saved$$$.$$. Me