I am just doing a maintenance tune up on my '98 XJ and wanted to upgrade the single ignition coil at the same time. The clearance for the coil bolt closest to the firewall is horrible due to the engine mount, can get a gear wrench on it, but can only turn it about 1/4 turn at a time, but it's not getting looser. I tried the other bolt, and same thing! I just turn and turn, and the bolt turns freely but does not come out. Anyone else run into this? If they're stripped, there isn't enough room to cut and drill . . . I see the coil appears bolted to a bracket that looks like it mounts to studs in the block and and has wiring harnesses mounted to them. Should I remove the wiring and whole bracket with the coil and try from there? I looked through the forum, but didn't really see anything. Thanks in advance!

 

You should be able to remove the bracket from the engine. All those bolts are a pain to get to.

 

You're exactly right, took awhile to figure out, but I think that's the only way to do it . . . Thanks for your reply!!

 

Also, just want to add for anyone unfamiliar with this seemingly simple job, is that there are nuts on the back side of the coil mounting bolts and unless you can figure out how to get a wrench on them, you'll never get the bolts out. That's why they just kept turning and not loosening up. Best way is to remove the coil bracket mounting stud nuts, ground wires (4) and then the studs. Waaaaay easier! Can't believe I couldn't find anything on the web about this. Anyway, hope this helps someone in the future!