2012 Head Gasket Replacement - Timing Chain Tensioner won't insert

2012, 249k miles, attempting to do a head gasket replacement on my own. Things have gone...mostly OK, but I am at the point where I am trying to re-insert the timing chain tensioner and it will not insert. When putting my fingers through the hole it feels like there is not enough room for the locked in place tensioner to insert, and I'm wondering if the plastic chain guide is blocking it, as I can certainly feel the chain guide with my finger when inserting into the hole. I'm more than a little worried the tensioner guide is not seated correctly. Has anyone had this issue, and if the chain guide isn't seated correctly is there any other option other than taking apart the timing chain cover and starting over from that point? I'm confident the chain guide was inserted into the hole at the bottom, but there were times when it would shift to the left (although I didn't think it did before I put the cover on).

 

Thanks to you both for your comments/suggestion; NAB I watched your video (and rewound, and rewound...) and saw the wire trick. I ended up taking the cover off and actually putting the tensioner in while the cover was off but just ever so slightly starting the bolts back on the studs, and this seemed to work OK as I was able to fully tighten the tensioner on the studs once the cover was back on.

Although it took me way longer than even I estimated, I think she's all back together in one piece, and I've driven it about 25 miles without any engine codes, so I think she's good to go. Thanks!