I can't get the front pulley of my 19j. I'm told it is right hand thread (i.e. anti clockwise to undo). Is this correct?

I've got the sump off to redo the rings and have a bit of 2x3 wedged to stop the crank turning, and even with a 4 foot bar on the socket, and 10 mins of the blow torch on the bolt before hand I still cant get it to move!

I just don't want to have gone to the effort of rebuilding the engine for the timing belt to snap in 200 miles! and I've probably melted the oil seals now anyway so its got to come off - not signs of welding etc as far as I can see

it is a std thread so anticlockwise to undo easy with a good battery or air gun,most likely fitted with very strong loctite,a longer bar and more shock needed

Have you tried an impact gun?

When I did my 200 tdi it took many attempts with my full weight on a breaker bar. If I had ny impact gun I would have used it.