Replacing 211k 1994 VH45DE for a 75k 1996 VH45DE

[vegasdc702]

I just bought a 1996 VH45DE with 75k miles on it and I'll be using it to replace my 211k original engine since it's overheating due to a head gasket that went bad.

I wanted to know if this will just be a direct replacement or do I need any accessories from the donor car.

If anyone is interested in any parts from the old engine, let me know pretty much if I don't have to swap over any parts from the older engine it'll be up for sale, i.e. Coil packs, MAFS, etc.

[Q45tech]

The 1996 engine is different from the OBDI 1994-1995 series in that it has no VVT and uses a milder cam resulting in less torque and peak HP. The 1996 cams splits the difference 232 vs 248 and gives a decent idle but gains 0.5 second [minimum] in 60 and quarter mile. 50-80 passing is very noticeable but you will get use to it.

In theory you could just leave the VVT harness connections taped up and not connected to anything.

Historically we have observed that the 1996 engine seems to sludge up more than the earlier engine, for unknown reasons. Probably just OWNER ABUSE in the half dozen examples we have seen.

Hopefully you will be satisfied???????????

How did you abuse the 1994 enough to cause a head gasket problem, allowing a serious over heat for an extended period?

Don't even try to use 1996 ecu use old 1994 unit!!!!!!

[maxnix]

Never heard of a head gasket going bad on a VH45DE.

Must have been overheated at some point because cooling system not maintained.

It would be a whole lot easier to swap in a 1994 or especially a late 1995 VH45DE.

Do read Q45tech's post on how to select and rehabilitate them before installation.

Obvioiusly, you must rehabilitate your complete cooling system that led to this failure, then the AC system also.

[Q45tech]

I forgot you will need to use the OLD 1994 coils* and ignitors on the 1996 engine to match harness and ecu.

If the 1994 engine was overheated there may be damage to coil and extension insulation- examine closely!

[vegasdc702]

I bought the car with the overheating problem around November last year and I've been trying to solve the overheating issue since then with no success. I've changed the thermostat, water pump, radiator, and a bad coil.

For an engine that has 211k miles on it, it runs pretty smooth with the exception of it overheating.

[Q45tech]

Have you replaced/tested the thermstatic controlled fan and made sure the condenser fans operate per FSM?

[vegasdc702]

Have you replaced/tested the thermstatic controlled fan and made sure the condenser fans operate per FSM?

Haven't done that, but it's worth a try if you recommend it. Also when I opened up the radiator cap the day after driving it had a lot of built up pressure and popped and also had a smell of fuel.

[maxnix]

Sounds like PO was not very careful.

[vegasdc702]

The engine looks super clean for it having the amount of miles that it has. I wasn't told exactly what happened by the PO other than it overheats after driving for about 30 minutes or so. It continues to do that now, is there something I should be looking at before I pull this motor?

I already have the new engine sitting in the garage waiting to be preped.

[paranoidjack]

The engine looks super clean for it having the amount of miles that it has. I wasn't told exactly what happened by the PO other than it overheats after driving for about 30 minutes or so. It continues to do that now, is there something I should be looking at before I pull this motor?

I already have the new engine sitting in the garage waiting to be preped.

Stupid question....but....have you verified there is ENOUGH coolant in the engine?

[vegasdc702]

I appreciate any help, it's not dumb to ask. I've checked and bled it many many times to the same frustrating conclusion.

I have other cars to drive so I'm just going to take my time with this and start replacing the little odds and ends while the motor is sitting there before I start pulling the old one out.

[maxnix]

Rather than mating the mis matched 1996 engine, I would consider pullling the heads and checking them for warping. If minor, the labor is about the same and the result would be much more satisfying than installing a rehabilitated 1996.

CAn't judge an engine by it's external experience. Who knows what the OCI was, for instance? Age alaone demands rehabilitating all hoses under the plenum. What abou injectors and KS?

[Q45tech]

I would think an expert could swap engines in 12 hours with all the transfer of 94 parts. Of course a lift and various transmission jacks as both are dropped as unit., then disassembled and reassembled on the ground.

An expert would take 20+ hours and brand new head gaskets just to check and rehead the engine................removing heads requires removing chains and retiming and reseal front cover which means a new front seal, etc.

Factory says 25 hours to change head gaskets to oem specs.

[maxnix]

That is presuming the 1996 engine has been rehabilitated. Then all you have is a 1996 powerplant where a 1995 should be, and less power and no NICO ECU.

[VegasQ45702]

I