[Intuit]

Doesn't sound like the SOHC 2.0 engine is similar to the 1.9 but with my own 1.9, was able to place a deep socket against waterpump pulley's base (not the pulley itself!) then apply a crowbar to the socket which then pushed on the base (and the pulley) all the way back; where I was then able to retighten the bolt to lock it in the release position.

Why they might've changed the waterpump pulley design to prevent it from locking in the open position, I don't know. Doesn't sound reasonable.