well your probably turnin it the wrong way. even though you did turn it counterclockwise, it shouldn't have been that hard to turn the engine to the point where the main bolt loosens
Either it wasnt tightened properly or something is causing it to bind somewhere. Im able to turn mine both ways without loosening the bolt for the balancer, it's that tight. Hmmmm,...well, torque it back down to specs and you shouldnt have a problem. Just turn the engine in a clockwise direction.