Thanks both for the advice. I managed to remove all but two with this method (several actually just came straight off with a hex bit). The remaining two, one I ground off the plastic bit as it wouldn't budge, the other I managed to snap the metal fitting off by being too aggressive with mole grips (oops).
I'm replacing both the fuel lines after she sprung a leak on my in-laws driveway. The MOT tester pointed out they were corroded a few months ago, so I've been mulling over what to do for a while... whether to bodge it with a bit of rubber hose or attempt a complete replacement with factory lines. Sudden catastrophic failure forced a quick decision, and I decided to use the solution from RPM to avoid having to drop the suspension and gearbox on a gravel driveway.
So far, I've removed the old lines (took me most of yesterday in the end, probably only a couple of hours work at most if you know what you're doing!). I'll document it here, in case it's useful to anyone.
First thing I did was disconnect and seal off the fuel tank, it was half full and depositing about 500ml per day onto the floor. I found it was easiest to clamp the hose before the fuel pump (under a metal cover secured with two screws, see pic) using mole-grips and some offcuts of plastic to protect the hose. To make sure the fuel wasn't going anywhere I disconnected the hose from the pump, then used the largest die from my tube flaring kit as a 'stop' retained by the original hose clip.
The fuel lines (at least on my S2) go through the drivers side wheelarch, then under the car and through a very tight space over the torsion bar. I disconnected from the fuel filter under the car and also at the fuel rail in the engine bay, then removed the lines in pieces. The parts near the back were so rusted, they just came away in my hands. I cut in a few places using a mini pipe cutter that was only 2.99 from screwfix. Gets through the lines cleanly without making any sparks!
While the wheelarch liner was off, I found a sizeable amount of damp compost collecting at the bottom of the front wing where it meets the sill. I cleaned it out and sprayed my favourite anti-rust potion in there. After seeing it I strongly recommend removing the liners and cleaning out the crud if you've not done it before! I'll certainly do it on the other side!
I used the fingers of blue nitrile gloves to stop crud getting into the fuel system... they stretch tightly over the unions.
I'll post an update when the RPM kit arrives...
In the mean time I'm mulling over replacing the rear brake lines while I'm in there. I couldn't make up my mind if it was doable without dropping the suspension.
]. Now they look like new again.
