'86 xj700x ignition coil removal

Yesterday I started disassembling my bike to be able to do a valve clearance check. Since this is my first time doing this on my own bike, it's kind of an adventure.

The manual says to remove the ignition coil. I removed the 3 bolts holding it in place but it seems there's not enough space to remove them. How do you remove those coils?
And do the coils really have to go out or is there enough space to remove the cilinder head cover with the coils in place?

 

It seems to be the thermostatic valve that is blocking the way. Yet the manual does not mention removing the thermostatic valve, which seems a lot of work given the way it is connected and placed.
Still the ignition coils must go because the cilinder head cannot come off if the coils are still there.
I`m a bit puzzled right now.

(edited: waterpump was wrong, it's called the thermostatic valve)

 

You should be able to remove the valve cover out the side away from the water pump; but you probably do need to get the coils out of the way.

 

Just found out the part that is blocking the coils is the thermostatic valve.

The coils must go out before being able to remove the valve cover. I tried, but it's not possible with the coils still there.
Still, no luck in removing the coils. Looks like I'm going to have to remove all or at least some things related to the thermostatic valve. I'm unable to find an angle that allows removal of the coils.
Am I right assuming that both coils should and can be removed at the same time. Because the outer frame of the two coils is a bit hard to unbolt because the bolts that are at the front of the bike are pretty much unreachable.

 

So, I've given it another shot tonight and after 10 minutes decided that the only way would be to remove the thermostatic valve. Drained the coolant (only 0.8L came out, which seems a bit low), disconnected the hoses and electric leads, and after removing it, the coils were able to fit through. Yay!

Figured that 9.30PM is a good time to call it a day.

 

Wish I had seen this sooner... If you detach the coils from their bracket you can get them out without removing the thermo. When putting it back together; put the bracket into place, then squeeze the coils back in and bolt them into place. Hope that made sense...

 

Thanks anyway. I thought of that, but had my doubts if it would work. I knew that removing the thermostatic valve would solve my issue, so I chose that solution.

At least next valve check I know it can be done