Working with the tensioners, I was making great progress, mostly. And then I had a problem. After I removed the coils, I proceeded to removing the 14 screws that secure the valve/cam covers. On each side I managed to remove 13 out of the 14 screws. The last screw on each bank has been a real bitch. It's the one that is located at the far end of the valve cover towards the rear of the car, the one that sits on the bottom half of the cover.

I can't manage to get any wrench inside the tiny space and unscrew it. How have you guys gotten around that problem?

The side where the Air intake pipe normally resides at has a metal plate which restricts motion, the other side, where the coolant reservoir resides is just way too tight. Do I need to buy something to deal with that? Everything else had been going smoothly.

I also noticed, about 4 of my coils had oil on them, I'm glad I bought the seals for the sparks, it seems like they are needed.

I guess I'll finish the job tomorrow, it's already dark out.

 

I didn't use a wrench, I used a 1/4" ratchet and the appropriate sized socket, 8 or 10mm? It was tight, but it fit in there.
Vector

 

I have a 1/4" ratchet and it's the 10 mm socket. There is still no way for me to fit it in there. Maybe the XJ series has a little more space in there.

 

You may need to use a 1/4" universal joint with your socket set: Buy Gear Wrench 1/4" Drive Universal Joint 80100 at Advance Auto Parts

 

It seems that might fit the bill. I'll try to buy one tomorrow and finally finish this job. Right now, I've got engine covers, coil covers, coils, air breather hose, air filter box, the tools and the parts in my car's boot. I at least have all the screws inside labeled ziploc bags. Nothing has been lost. I guess I'll walk tomorrow. The university is pretty damn nearby and the auto parts store is as well.

 

A 1/4 drive deep socket in the right size with a screwdriver type handle would do the trick and it has the advantage that you are less likely to over tighten on re-install.

 

The XKs are definitely tighter than the XJs.

You should loosen the Coolant Reservoir and move it for better access.