Smith1000

About 30 minutes ago I slid the timing chain sprocket off the cam. I am pulling the head off to replace the head gasket. I tried to support the chain with a piece of wood-per the Haynes Manual. That didn't really work though because the wood is too long to wedge the chain in place. Kind of in precarious position (can't let the chain drop off the lower sprocket), I slid the chain back on the sprocket. Now it won't go back on.

I tried to slide the sprocket with the chain back on to the cam, but there is too much tension on the chain to clear the cam hub. The Haynes manual doesn't mention a tensioner and how to deal with that part. I now realize there is a tensioner down below pressing the chain guide in.

Is there a way to release the tension from above(through the head opening where the chain comes through) in order to slide the sprocket back on? I have tried to move the guide with a long screwdriver, but can't seem to move anything to get the slack I need to slide the chain and sprocket back on. I was trying to avoid having to remove the front cover. I think in order to get to all of that, I would need to remove the radiator, fan and a bunch of other stuff.

I can go ahead and pull the head off, but I know I'll have to deal with trying to get the sprocket slid back on when it goes back together. Thanks for any help.