New noisy 4.0, possibly driver side tensioner?

[JKirby19]

I recently installed a new engine in my 4.0 SOHC. It has been noisy, almost like a knock, ever since the install. It was running fine but then decided it would stall but the stalling rarely happens. When it stalls the knock sensor climbs and the LTFT increase on both banks. Under WOT the knock sensor will climb to around 220 - 320 (ForScan software). I took the manifold and rocker covers off. I noticed the driver side tensioner plunger was almost completely seated into the tensioner and the left side (facing the engine) of the chain is tight but the right side is loose. The passenger side plunger is extended and the chain is tight on both sides. There are no engine codes. There are small fractional misfires showing in Mode 6 on bank 1 all three cylinders less than 1% but they are well within range, no other issues in mode 6. I took the driver side tensioner out and it still has spring pressure and it will hydraulically load with oil and stiffen up. Can anyone tell me if the driver side chain tensioner should be extended after the engine has sat for a period of time? I feel like this is the source of my noise and possibly the rare random stalling issue. Thanks in advance.

 

[donalds]

I feel like this is the source of my noise and possibly the rare random stalling issue. Thanks in advance.

Not all the way
In good working order the tensioner will extend only about 1/4 inch

 

[JKirby19]

Not all the way
In good working order the tensioner will extend only about 1/4 inch

Thanks! I figured it might not be much judging from the slack in the chain. The tensioner plunger is literally in the barrel of the housing on mine. When I install the new tensioner should I rotate the engine around by hand as it builds tension against the guide to help rotate the slack around?

 

[donalds]

When I install the new tensioner should I rotate the engine around by hand as it builds tension against the guide to help rotate the slack around?

Install it he tensioner then unplug the crankshaft position sensor
spin the engine with the starter till the oil pressure gauge show's pressure
Reconnect the crank sensor
Start it up
then check for leaks
Do not use rtv at all
use a oem washer gasket new
Or your old one