Removing the intake manifold isn't as hard as you would imagine it to be either. If you have bigger hands, you may want to consider that method. This video is for those who want to attempt this job from underneath the vehicle. If I do this job again on another CRV (or if the new starter fails) I'll be showing you how to remove the intake manifold.
My daughter just bought a 2009 CRV. If it ever needs a starter replacement, I am definitely using this video as my guide. Super detailed and great camera work. Nice job.
Definitely not clickbait! Great video! Real life issues shade tree mechanics encounter. I have a 2007 CRV I just got a few months ago and getting ready to "bulletproof" it, by inspecting the components. Parts don't last forever. Either you fix it on your schedule, or you will fix it on "its" schedule. I did the Accord via removing the intake manifold a couple of years ago, it wasn't too bad. But the less you "F'around" by removing parts, the less you are potentially have to fix/put back.
You can remove the 2 long - 8mm bolts that attach the motor housing to the starter. This will ruin the starter but if you are replacing the starter, who cares. After removing the housing the hidden bolt will be staring you in the face. Before installing the new starter, insert the hidden bold into the starter hole with about a 1/4" extrusion out the other side. Then ziptie the bolt and socket (already on the 14mm bolt) to the starter housing. You can now insert the starter and the 1/4 extrusion will help line up the back bolt. Tighten the front bolt and then clip the zipties. The back bolt & socket are now in place and the ready to hand tighten. It's really makes the process fast and easy.
