Abstract: A high pressure valve of the type employing a non-rotating valve needle having a tapered tip which may be selectively moved between seated and unseated positions relative to a valve seat in a valve chamber. The valve seat is tapered inwardly and has a smaller taper angle than the valve needle. A valve actuating stem is received through a valve packing nut with the actuating stem having a bifurcated inner end defined by a transverse, generally rectangular bore intersected by an axially directed slot. The slot is somewhat smaller in breadth than the width of the bore and extends between the bore and the innermost end of the stem. The valve needle includes an enlarged cylindrical or spherical connecting end adapted to be received in the actuating stem bore and slot. Sealing for the needle is provided by a sealing medium comprised of a combination of a seal member received between a pair of seal washers in an enlarged coaxial area at one end of the valve chamber.