Chrysler Repair: 2.7L timing chain tensioner replacement, haynes manual, dodge intrepid

Question
I have a 99 dodge intrepid with the 2.7. Engine replaced
@75,ooo mile with a jasper rebuild.timing tensioner replaced once by dealer at jasper expense (at 10,000 miles)
It sounds as if failure is near again (at 40,000 miles). Is there any way to
replace tensioner without removing top and front of engine?
maybe just remove 2 bolt cover on side of block?
car is nice but not worth another engine,and can not afford to trade now. Haynes manual not much help.
Please, any assistance would be helpful.
Thank you
Frank

Answer
Hi Frank,
To tell you the truth, I have not worked on a 2.7L engine but I do have the '98 Intrepid manual and there are about 5 pages that discuss and illustrate the removal and installation of the timing chain and sprockets. I can see a method in your proposal but I can't be sure that you could simply remove the tensioner and reinstall it without going thru the entire procedure. There is some finesse too in setting up the tensioner functionally, described there. I would be pleased to xerox and postal mail you the pages so you could see what is described. In theory it looks like if you can get access to the bolts that hold the tensioner in place it could be removed. But the concerns would be proper reinstallation of the tensioner and verifying the timing hasn't slipped, because this is an interference type of engine from what I gather. You might well ask the Jasper mechanics what they think.
So let me know if you want those pages so you can contemplate on whether to try that or not. You can use the thank/rate tab where there is a comments section, rather than sending a follow-up and waiting for me to be available to take a question.
Roland