The various threads for fuel pump replacement show the plastic "helpers" that disconnect these lines, I assume from under the car...right? I can't even see these lines, let alone visualize how these disconnects can possibly work. Nobody mentioned taking out the rear diff, but it certainly looks as though it's required. There isn't enough room above the diff for me to get my hand in, let alone try to use a tool. What am I missing here?

 

This is my comment on the subject from another thread...

"When I changed the fuel pumps in a previous XJR I owned (2003) all I had to do was loosen the parking brake cable for better access and I was able to snake my arms in there with the little plastic release tool I picked up at the local auto parts store for less than $10.

After I loosened the parking brake cable it took maybe 5 minutes to get both lines disconnected. You just have to experiment until you find the position to lay in and the access path for your arm. I spent an hour trying before I loosened the cable with no luck."

 

There is a post of attaching the release tool to a wooden dowel to reach the disconnects. A few people have left the tank in place and gone in from above but those are bad bad people

 

There was a recent post regarding either a homemade tool or a homemade extension I can't remember which that made this job easier. It might be worth a look thru the archives but I would imagine any tool solution would depend on being able to get your hand into the space the fuel lines live in. I have chicken wing arms and needed to release the parking brake cable by undoing the adjuster, sort of what's been pointed out earlier. The area was still tight and when the connections finally let loose I couldn't honestly say I was doing anything different from what I'd been doing for the previous half hour or so. What was worse was getting them to click back together. Mine seemed to go back together, grudgingly, but the pressure side let go on me about a year after I put everything back together (smelled like gas for a few months before letting go one morning). I know others have had success with this job but knowing the rear end assy doesn't come out too hard I think I'd consider it the next time I do this job, hopefully on another X308!

 

I bought the set of release tools, and am determined to do this from below, as seems to be the expected route. After several failed attempts to even touch the lines in question, I finally see a path through the maze, with only the right-side half-shaft blocking my way. There is truly no other path that will allow my Popeye fore-arms through to the scene of the crime. And I should mention that I'm a 147 lb wiry sort of guy. What on earth would Brutus do? I would absolutely cut through the rear shelf and leave the tank in situ, if only it wouldn't make such a horrendous mess of that beautiful interior. Jaguar SHOULD HAVE done it, and I'm not afraid to clean up after their messes of omission. That's why I bought the aftermarket transmission dip-stick.

I can see that if the half-shaft is removed, the only other obstacle might be a piece of the exhaust system. More reports as I get time.