[pdwestman]

I'm guessing that some how or another you have got the spring wound backwards & holding the tensioner retracted, instead of the spring trying to extend the plunger.
You need to look more carefully at pic #6200. Do you not see the steel blade in the cross slot?

Do you not have a service manual for your bike? Go on-line to kawasaki.com. Owners Center. Manuals.
View or download page 5-15 to see size of 'T' lock to build to hold tensioner compressed after proper reassembly & re-winding.

Or you can purchase a new tensioner (which will come compressed, with T lock installed, ready to install into engine). Keep the T lock for future valve train servicing.
One can even see the T lock holding the tensioner compressed (ready for assembly) in the parts Diagram!