chain tensioner and manifold gasket

[clunker]

Apologoes for another post, slightly different issue.

I took out the chain tensioner piston and replaced the o-ring etc. When I went to reinstall, I noted it did not sit flush to the head. There is no specific tensioner piston gasket specified, but the adjacent manifold gasket overlaps the chain tensioner piston (see pic). I am guessing the manifold gasket has been install backwards at some point, because pictures of a new manifold gasket show a cutoff at front of engine, which would not then interfere with chain tensioner pivot sitting flush.

My question is to resolve this should I:
1. remove the inlet/outlet manifold (urgh) and correctly install new manifold gasket, etc. - I know thats the 'right' thing to do.
2. use a gasket 180-052-06-80 which is various spec'ed for the W113, and cut off the end to fit round manifold gasket (see pic) - does this gasket really fit in any case on a W113?
3. do surgery on the manifold gasket in situ to remove the part around the tensioner piston stud (this not appear to be a manifold stud) so everything sits square.

I am leaning toward 3., but comments appreciated.

[ja17]

Yes, your intake manifold gasket is installed wrong. If I were you I would just cut the small portion of the manifold gasket which is entering under the chain tensioner. Adding another gasket under the tensioner is not a good option since it would reduce the travel of the tensioner sprocket. 

[Benz Dr.]

Isn't there an O-ring on your chain tensioner? You have to go back a long ways into the 1950's before you would need that gasket because early units didn't have a groove for an O-ring.

[clunker]

Thank you for your responses. I did trim the manifold gasket end, and the tensioner now sits flush (see pic).

The tensioner gasket did seem an odd item - I agree it would interfere with the the piston spacing and the function of the O-ring - but it was listed on K&K for W113 so gave it a thought.

I did replace the O-ring, old one was still in good shape but may as well refresh. I did re-prime the tensioner piston by putting some oil in the oil-well in the head, and pumping the tensioner piston.

--Charles