I just read this old thread and I can't quite understand. But I have changed my timing belt one time on the car and removed the pulley for another reason at another instance. I did this by removing the starter motor and inserting a knife in the gears. Is that method ok?

"Method 4: Jamming the Ring Gear. [Not Recommended and NOT for LH2.4 cars, Rex/Regina cars, or any car with a crankshaft sensor] Some have suggested jamming the ring gear with a screwdriver or tire iron. DON'T DO THIS: several anecdotes of ruined torque converters, ring gears, and ring teeth have been reported."

 

Your method is not recommended, it is very risky but especially bad for cars with Crankshaft position sensor as the citation says. Besides, it is a lot of extra work to remove the starter... Many better ways to undo the bolt, I like the rope "trick" if the proper holder is not available.