I am tracking down a fuel delivery problem and was delighted to find that the PO had already cut a top hatch into the rear parcel shelf to easily access the fuel pumps and left the following Easter Egg on the cover plate he fabricated shown below.

And I do thank him as this modification avoids the very bad job of emptying the tank, disconnecting the hard-to-access bottom fuel tank lines and pulling/reinstalling the fuel tank.

Viewed downward through the rear glass, where UP in the picture is towards the REAR of the vehicle:

• the fore/aft measurement starts at the bulkhead wall behind the passenger seat.
• The wires at the 12.5" fore edge are quite close to the surface, a metal nibbler would be safer than a jig saw for this cut.
• The side-side measurement starts at the inside of the convertible top frame lever arm on the passengers side.
• You could safely go to 25" on the driver's side edge
• The tank is concave on top to accommodate the round mechanism, wiring, and blue connectors.
• There are some vent holes on the aft edge of the shelf that allow you to reach in and feel the contours of the top of the tank before you cut

Here is another nice description of this mod: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-access-118362

 

Great post, thanks for the measurement!!!!

John

 

For the record: as I recall, pre 2003 XKRs have 2 pumps. Looks like this is an XKR. Can XK8 owners use the same measurements?

Moderator, I'm sure a way too large % of us will someday face the need to do this job. I'm sure I will elect to drill the hole, as will many others.This post and the embedded link says it all. Would it be possible to tag it or store it somewhere for easy to find reference?

John

 

For future reference:

My question was answered in a different post.
Fuel pump location is same for drilling on either XK8 OR XKR.

John

 

I'm finding that this hole is too small to easily work with.

I will be expanding the driver and forward sides.

 

Thanks Sanchus, keeps posted. Its gonna be tough to enlarge that hole. Can't think of a way to keep your hole saw centered short of screwing in a strip of hardwood for the hole saw's auger bit.

John