280E water pump replacement

I've got as far as removing the radiator, fan, and all the belts to get to the water pump. Unfortunately, it looks like one more step to reach the bottom bolt on the water pump. Covering it is what appears to be a timing wheel with the accessory pulleys in front. There is one 27mm bolt which appears to hold this all to the crankshaft. I'm unable to get this loose and am wondering if it could possibly be reverse threaded due to the direction of crankshaft rotation. I have several more tricks to try and get it loose, but I would hate to be going in the wrong direction. There also appears to be 6 hex bolts holding the front pulleys on, is it necessary to remove those to remove timing disc which covers the water pump bolt? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Scott

[Paul]

the 27mm bolt does not hold the timing balancer on. remove the hex bolts and the pulleys and just work the balancer off.
paul

Thanks Paul. That will save me a little heartburn.