Interesting Note about VH45 Valve train.

[elwesso]

I was searching through the FSM this afternoon... And I found out something of interest..

I am/was studying the cams and things of that nature. I just so happen to be looking at the book and it said that in my 94 FSM that the VH45 has sodium filled exhaust valves. on the exploded components diagram, it clearly says "sodium filled exhaust valve"... The 95 FSM does not make this distinction...

The parts book was of no assistance, but 90-92 had the same valve part number, but that doesnt surprise me since they changed a lot of part numbers in 94 not to mention the slight redesign of the head...

This seems to me that a 1994 VH45DE would be the best motor for boosted setups, with the single port intake, and sodium filled exhaust valves...

[Mettler]

Good to know Wes, does the '94 have the VVT ? If not, what timing chain setup does it run ?

[elwesso]

yeah 94 has VVT... The cam setup is the same as the 90-93, single chain for each bank and a chain for the oil pump...

[sijoko]

That is very interesting, Wes.

My question is: Did they recycle a diagram from the 90-93 FSM? I have seen other diagrams in my 94 service manual that was drawn for the older car.

Is there a way to find out if the exhaust valves are sodium-filled by their appearance or do we have to cut one open?

[elwesso]

no because on the older diagrams, it would not show a valve cover gasket, this one does (as opposed ot the RTV).

I doubt theres any way you can tel without cutting them open..

[defrag010]

Is there a way to find out if the exhaust valves are sodium-filled by their appearance or do we have to cut one open?

The sodium filled exhaust valves have a 5/16" stem that tapers up to a .270" stem where the keys lock the retainer on. A non-sodium valve will be entirely .270" stem just like the intake valves are.