Hi All
I'm in the process of doing the head gasket on an EA.
I'll also be doing the timing cover gasket and crank seal
as there leaking a little.
Things were going Ok up until now.
The end bolt on the end of the tensioner is on so tight that
the retainer turns as well.
I've tried holding the retainer with multigrips / vice grips to no avail.

Questions......
1. If I take the bolt and retainer off as one unit, will
the tensioner unit fall to bits as I try to pull it out as its in
the released position ???
2. Can you lock the tensioner if the retainers out ??? ( I have doubts )
3. Or can I take the timing cover off with the whole unit in place,
or will I have the same problem with it being in the released position,
once its off the guide ???
4. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

i had that problem

with the tensioner 'unlocked' the parts are still actually locked togeather. just unscrew the whole retainer and pull the tensioner out as one.

i had to put the retainer in a vice to undo it.

so summary.

1. If I take the bolt and retainer off as one unit, will
the tensioner unit fall to bits as I try to pull it out as its in
the released position ???

no, it will stay togeather

2. Can you lock the tensioner if the retainers out ??? ( I have doubts )

yes you 'could' but it would be difficult as there is nothing pushing it onto the chain guide

3. Or can I take the timing cover off with the whole unit in place,
or will I have the same problem with it being in the released position,
once its off the guide ???

youd want to take the tension out and it has a groove that sits on the guide.

4. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

just unscrew the retainer and use something to hook the tension (long nosed pliers can sometimes get it) once you get it out you will see how it works.

Or you could make the right tool to hold the outer screwed collar or you could try motor traders if they are in canberra.

Thanks for that.
I'll just take the bolt and retainer off as one
and gently try to get the tensioner out.

I just took the head off my Falcon yesterday and hit the exact same problem. I just took the timing gear off, chain and all Problem solvered

Just an update...
I did the above and the tensioner came out in one piece
even though it was in the released position.
Thanks to all for your help.