M44 Timing Chain Tensioner Question

[singring]

My M44 timing chain tensioner arrived in the mail, but when I opened the box, it was "sprung released"...in other words, I had to re-assemble it.
The piston went into the outer sleeve OK, although it was a little tough compressing the first snap ring, but it fits fine. However, when I continue to compress the piston further into the sleeve, the second piston snap-ring (at the very end of the piston) is too small to expand into the outer sleeves's inside notch...at least, I assume that snap-ring is suppose to hold the piston in the install postition. Even if I push the piston all the way into the outer sleeve, the end of the piston does not lock into the sleeve....so rather than the 68mm total length prior to installation, my tensioner has a total length of
about 80mm. Now, it seems that with about 5 pounds pressure from my fingers, I can squeeze the piston in fully.

So, my question is, can I install my tensioner, then push in the retaining cover bolt, until it threads onto the engine block, and tighten the bolt? Thereby installing the tensioner in a "pre-released" setting against the chain guide rail, rather than the method described in Bentley, where the tensioner is released AFTER the bolt is tightened, and engine is revved to 3500 rpms, which would release the tensioner.

Any help is appreciated
Thanks