I'm trying to replace spark plugs and coils on this 2004 4.2 Liter aluminum-bodied XJ8 and can't remove #8 ignition coil (back cylinder on left side). Mounting bolt is out and I can lift the coil about an inch and a half at which point it comes up against an insulated enclosure under the brake booster/master cylinder. Any suggestions for getting past this impediment? Any tricks? I don't want to make a mess. Thanks as always.

 

Yes, if you remove soundeadener from outside of partition that surround break booster you will realize that that partition is not a one piece. You can remove center section and you will be able to pull coil out and reach in with long extension to remove spark plug.
I saw this clue in one of the posts on this forum; can't find that post now.

 

never had to touch that even with the first gen coils. pull harder and get the flex you need

 

I did it this way, it's not so difficult to do. When you lift the cover above the brake reservoir, you cann se that the partition between brake cylinder and engine compartment can be opened.

Best regards,

Thomas

 

Well it seems there is a trick to this after all.
The enclosure that prevents the coil from being lifted high enough
to remove it has a removable panel. It is roughly 3x6 inches, "hidden" behind a
layer of insulation, and held in place by 4 push-pin clips. It requires removal
of the 2 braces from bulkhead to shock tower (T50). It is not necessary to
remove the lower push-pin as the panel is slotted there.
Once the panel is out of the way there is ample room to remove the coil.

Thanks to those who responded. It may be that there are a lot of these
cars out there that have had these panels removed and not reinstalled
making subsequent plug/coil replacement a lot easier.