How to measure timing chain tensioner

Just wanting advise on how to gain access to the timing chain tensioner so I can measure it.

I know there is a cover on that side of the engine which needs to be removed, but what else has to come off first?

Airbox and headlight I assume? What else? Rocker cover doesn't have to come off, does it?!

Also, will any kind of liquid gasket be needed to reseal the timing chain cover? If so what type/brand is recommended?

I have searched on here but there's so many timing chain threads and I haven't found any with simple steps on how to just get at the tensioner to measure it.

I'm skeptical as to whether the current problem with the car is an excessively slack chain, as I would have thought that if it hadn't already been replaced by a previous owner then it would've gave up long before now (100K miles). Maybe I'm wrong. Measuring is the only way to confirm either way.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
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