trying to avoid replacing a timing chain assembly...was told that at an oil change I could prime my oil pressure at the sending unit to increase chain tension through the hydrolic tensioner. Anyone ever done this?

 

The strength of the tensioner has nothing to do with your oil pressure. If your tensioner is getting weak, you can replace it through the hole in the timing cover. It is kinda tricky though but way better than taking apart the timing cover.

 

I thought the tensioner was hydrolic. I was under the impression that if the oil pressure dropped the tensioner would lose its tension against the chain.