2008 Camry timing chain tensioner
 

I have an oil leak at my timing chain tensioner. I believe this year only requires a gasket and not an oring. Can I simply remove the tensioner, reset it with the hook, reinstall with new gasket and rotate the engine with a wrench clockwise at the cranckshaft to reengage the tensioner or do I need to worry about timing chain going out of alignment when I do this procedure? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks!

Set the engine cam/crank timing to 0 degrees at TDC for No 1 cylinder.

Remove chain tensioner and replace gasket.

Push tensioner plunger in. Install tensioner.

Rotate crank CCW while releasing plunger pin.

Rotate crank CW and determine chain guide is being pushed by the plunger. This requires the items be observed for proper engagement or one can just assume.

Dino really need to set the timing if I'm just removing and reinstalling the tensioner and not removing the chain? If so, can I do this with just the valve cover removed?

You don't need to set the timing.

The procedure locates the cam/crank position to allow removing the slack from the chain when the tensioner plunger is released.