After the top radiator hose decided to split on me on Christmas evening I decided to service the car while I waited for the hose to be delivered.First job change the spark plugs.Car now on 120 000 miles and I don't know if they have been done or not.Phew quite a job to do but took my time and all was well.Changed oil and filter,new pollen filter,new thermostat and chucked some cataclean in the tank ready for mot next week.Hose arrived,fitted and fresh coolant added.My only job left was to change the fuel filter.Should be an easy job if I could get to it.My dilema now is I cannot remove the undertray hiding the filter.The recessed nuts are spinning the threads they are attached too.Any one else had this problem and know a way of getting them off without wrecking the undertray.
All ideas greatly received.

Many Thanks Steve.

 

I had the same problem. When I had the dealer change my alternator, I had them replace the expanding nuts in the frame. It was fairly cheap. Check the dealer about the replacement parts (anchors). It shouldn't be news to them. I had them do it as I dont have a lift, which helps to drill/cut the spinning screws and anchors.
Now it's much easier to change the oil,as I can remove the back belly pan. I did the oil change in the past with the rear pan in place, but it was more involed and a PITA.

 

The undertray under the engine is fine I had already replaced all the clips and screws.This is the undertray under the passenger seat where the fuel filter is located.Some of the nuts are recessed so I can't even get a grinder to them.Like you sat what a pita.

 

Hi Steve,

I've encountered this problem on a couple of X350s. Drilling or grinding the old nuts and threaded studs is possible but not fun. One shortcut solution I came up with is to carefully drill a series of holes in the plastic undertray around the perimeter of the washer under the nut. Take care to drill only through the plastic and not into the aluminum floorpan. Once you have holes all the way round the washer, you can just pull the tray down and the little strips of plastic between holes will break free. So far on the cars I've dealt with, the remaining screws and nuts have been sufficient to hold the undertray in its proper position. If the location of your stripped studs means the undertray will not be properly supported by the remaining fasteners, the expanding nuts Mark mentioned would be a permanent solution, along with a screw and a larger fender washer to support the plastic where it was drilled out.

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks for the reply Don.The normal bolts either end of the tray came out with no problem.I think these bolts alone would hold the tray up.I think your idea of drilling is the way to go.

Thanks Steve.

 

I addressed this some years ago on this forum. You get a hole saw just a bit larger than the bolt head diameter, mount it on your drill and cut the plastic cover loose.
For the life of me I can't remember how I reattached the cover but I'm certain it was just as clever. (a sheet metal screw with washer?) The spinning bolt was left in place as to remove it was not an option.

 

That's a great idea! Unfortunately all of my hole saws have pilot drills. I'll have to find a hole saw without the drill for the next time I have to deal with this. I think a hole saw with an ID of about 1 inch or 7/8 would do it, maybe even 3/4.

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks for the great replies certainly gives me something to work to.

 

Drilled the undertray with a 25 mm holesaw and it came of nice and easy.Fuel filter now changed.

Cheers Steve.

 

Can you provide a photo?

 

Sorry I have no photo and the job is done now.If you look under the drivers seat underneath you will see a undertray which covers the filter.In the middle of the tray there are 4 nuts recessed.When I tried undoing them they just kept spinning.The only way to get the tray off was by using a 25mm holesaw with no drill bit and carefully drill around the nuts.This worked a treat and the undertray came off easy.I refitted the tray using the existing bolts that are either end of the tray and this seems to be sufficient enough.

Cheers Steve.

 

Steve,

Do you recall the wrench sizes you used to change the fuel filter? Xeno is asking in the thread at the link below. From memory I guessed the flare nut wrench for the fuel line fittings is 16mm and the nuts on the fuel filter are 21mm or 22mm. If you recall the correct sizes please post to this thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...change-174916/

Thanks!

Don

 

Undertray photo from latest fuel filter change...

I did the same with the hole saw bit.

See top right for WD40 (wetness) in effort to release siezed (spinning) nut.

Thanks.
Mag

 

Don I do have the old filter still so as soon as I get chance I will check the wrench sizes.

 

Ok checked spanner sizes.On the filter I used a adjustable spanner and the union side was a if I remember correctly is a 14mm.

 

Hey guys where is my fuel filter? 2009 XJ8L Left hand steering. Some mentioned driver side some mentioned passenger. I should change mine. thank you

 

Hi Evan,

The fuel filter is on the left or LHD driver side hidden by the long black plastic undertray described in this thread.

Cheers,

Don

 

thanks buddy!