Anyone who has changed (or tried to change) the Purge Control Solenoid on this generation's CR-V knows how hard it is to get the lower bolt out. The heater hose that runs right by the solenoid makes access to the lower bolt extremely limited. If not for that bolt, it would be a quick and easy swap.
After proving to myself that I couldn't get a 8mm socket on the lower bolt because the heater hose didn't give me room to get even a 1/4" ratchet handle in there, I came up with this solution:
![Image]()
The string (more of a light rope) serves 3 purposes:
1 - If you drop the wrench, it's easily retrievable.
2 - It increases your confidence and allows you to relax because, well, see purpose number 1.
3 - It's easier to loosen the bolt by pulling up on the string than reaching in to pull on the wrench.
The following images show the box end on the bolt and the handle pointed towards the rear of
the engine bay.
![Image]()
![Image]()
I'll admit that the original reason that I attached the string was in case I dropped the wrench. However, once I got the bolt loosened by cramming my hand down behind that heater hose and giving the wrench a quick pull, I found that I could reposition the box end on the bolt with my left hand, pull up on the string with my right, and loosen it a little more each time - and I mean a little. There isn't much room to move the dumb end of the wrench between those 2 hoses.
I eventually got it loose enough that I could turn the bolt by using both index fingers, one on each side. Once it was completely free, I carefully transferred the bolt to my left hand and pulled it up and out.
I reversed the 2 index finger method to get the bolt started and in as far in as I could, then switched to the wrench. The box end had to be repositioned multiple times, again due the lack of room to swing the other end, but I eventually got it tight. And, yes, I did drop the wrench while putting the bolt back in. Sure glad I had that string attached.
Now I have to wait and see if the check engine light stays off. The gas cap didn't help, hopefully the solenoid will.
After proving to myself that I couldn't get a 8mm socket on the lower bolt because the heater hose didn't give me room to get even a 1/4" ratchet handle in there, I came up with this solution:
The string (more of a light rope) serves 3 purposes:
1 - If you drop the wrench, it's easily retrievable.
2 - It increases your confidence and allows you to relax because, well, see purpose number 1.
3 - It's easier to loosen the bolt by pulling up on the string than reaching in to pull on the wrench.
The following images show the box end on the bolt and the handle pointed towards the rear of
the engine bay.
I'll admit that the original reason that I attached the string was in case I dropped the wrench. However, once I got the bolt loosened by cramming my hand down behind that heater hose and giving the wrench a quick pull, I found that I could reposition the box end on the bolt with my left hand, pull up on the string with my right, and loosen it a little more each time - and I mean a little. There isn't much room to move the dumb end of the wrench between those 2 hoses.
I eventually got it loose enough that I could turn the bolt by using both index fingers, one on each side. Once it was completely free, I carefully transferred the bolt to my left hand and pulled it up and out.
I reversed the 2 index finger method to get the bolt started and in as far in as I could, then switched to the wrench. The box end had to be repositioned multiple times, again due the lack of room to swing the other end, but I eventually got it tight. And, yes, I did drop the wrench while putting the bolt back in. Sure glad I had that string attached.
Now I have to wait and see if the check engine light stays off. The gas cap didn't help, hopefully the solenoid will.
