sc chain tensioner

[beany]

Anybody out there purchase a tensioner rebuild kit and rebuild their chain tensioners? I purchased a Porsche factory rebuild kit and had a go at it. Everything goes fine until I try to insert the rebuild piston with the springs and everything else attached. The problem I am having is the small snap ring that goes into the body of the tensioner. I am not sure if I replace it in the groove in the tensioner before replacing the piston with assorted parts or after the piston is placed in the body. I would appreciate any help with this problem. I am pretty frustrated at this point. Thanks

[john walker's workshop]

hold the piston upside down with all the pieces piled inside and lower the tensioner body over it. clamp in a vise right side up as you hold tension on the piston with your thumb. never look straight down on the piston. it can pop up into your eye. push one side of the small snap ring into the groove with a small pocket screwdriver and hold tight with your left hand while you use another small screwdriver to push the other side in. you can notch the screwdriver for a better hook-up.