Gen 3 or 2009 CRV, has anyone removed just the engine from the top, leaving the transaxle and cv axles in place?

 

Not really possible. Nothing will be left to support the transmission and there isn't enough room to get the engine and transmission far enough apart to slip past each other.

Easiest fastest way is on a lift with a hydraulic lift table. Drop the whole front sub frame out engine and transmission and knuckles attached. Unbolt the AC compressor and leave it with the vehicle so you don't have to evacuate and recharge the AC.

 

After posting the question, I found this. And shows yes it is possible. Not a honda, but on a Murano I did a transmission only remove that is supposed to be not possible either. I use 2 chain hoists one to hold the left over item and one for the item removed.

 

Yes you can take the engine only, just did it this weekend. However only if its an automatic, standard you wont have enough room to clear the input shaft. Only thing that needs to be removed transmission wise is the driver side axle mount, just flip it back you DON'T need to take the entire axle out. Then I use a jack under the tranny only while removing and installing, just to keep it level. Once the engine is out you can let the tranny hang by the mount and the ptu will rest on the cradle. The only thing you have to be careful for is making sure the torque converter doesn't fall out, you can use a wrench and a bell bolt as a hold down to keep it in place till your ready for install. I even pushed it out while wait for parts.

 

Thank you. Driver side axle mount? The axle just slips in what mount are you taking about? Is your car a right hand steering ? What about the passenger side(for left hand steering), lots of stuff in the way there, I haven't watched the video in a while I thought he removed the passenger axle?