Dephaser pulley removal - help!!

[Sigmamark]

I have removed the cap and bolt from the dephaser pulley and it is loose and spins freely, but despite being able to move it forward slightly, it then jams and won’t come away from the camshaft.
Is there something I’m doing wrong, or should I revert to brute force?

 

[JamesBryan]

Nope, should come straight off iirc.

 

[mantis946]

Should come straight off, might be caught in the cam seal maybe ?

 

[Sigmamark]

Thanks guys. A little bit of persuasion with some pry bars made it give up its attachment to the camshaft, but provided a stark reminder that wearing safety shoes in the workshop is a good idea. I wasn’t!!

 

[JamesBryan]

What happened?

 

[Sigmamark]

Engine on a stand, trainers on feet, pry bars behind dephaser pulley. When whatever was stopping it coming free gave in, the pulley dropped straight onto my little toe, which is now much larger than it used to be!!