Concerned about means of removal now that am aware that all that is required is to take 4 bolts off. When I took 4 bolts off earlier it was not amenable to removal by hand force. Is it appropriate to apply torque to pulley by clockwise rotation? Is it ok to strike pulley with hammer and if so from what angles? Is it possible to drive some form of wedge between pulley and timing belt casing at rear which is light plastic and may be damaged. Any tips on this would be much appreciated.

Regards