Renault engine gearbox separation conundrum

[Grumblebuns]

I'm attempting to separate the 821 engine from its gearbox and ran into a bit of a problem. There is only an inch or so clearance between the cam pulley and bell housing. The service manual only said to remove the four nuts holding the front of the pulley from the back. Unfortunately the rear section of the two part pulley is still held in by the bolt screwed into the camshaft thus giving me the same issue. I think I'm missing something obvious. Before taking an impact gun to zip the bolt off, thought I'd ask for any input you all might have.

[jbcollier]

Yes, you need to take the complete cam pulley off.  Please do not use an impact gun.  One misstep and you can snap the camshaft.  Block the pulley with a long screwdriver or pry bar through the pulley half bolts and use a socket and ratchet to remove the bolt.

I have a vague memory that removing the water pump might make things easier but it has been a while.

[Grumblebuns]

Much appreciated.

There is a difference between the Renault 16 service manual and the Lotus service manual on the procedure. The Renault manual has you remove the pulley, the Lotus manual only has you remove the front half of the pulley. The Lotus manual appears to be incomplete. 

[jbcollier]

Less info makes for a lighter manual.  Dang that Colin Chapman!  ;-)