Ballast resistor

[Jeepman88]

I have cleaned the contacts on the fuel pump ballast resistor on my 88 4.0, and there seems to be no change on the noise, and bad idle, etc.
Do they wear out, and can they be replaced?

Kev

[Dale Aeppli]

Originally Posted by Jeepman88

I have cleaned the contacts on the fuel pump ballast resistor on my 88 4.0, and there seems to be no change on the noise, and bad idle, etc.
Do they wear out, and can they be replaced?

Kev

HI, ThEY WEAR OUT AND BREAK DOWN. FOR COST REPLACE ABOUT $ 6.00 DALE [email protected]

[Cam7]

Should not have any thing to do with your Idle. It is to reduce the fuel pump noise. I replaced mine wnen I had a no start condition. The 2nd time it went out quit on the freeway I wired it direct 3yr now fuel pump is a little louder thats all.

[Jeepman88]

I replaced the resistor, but no change in pump noise, or anything else either. might be a problem with the pump??sounds like i have a turbine in the back.

kev

[Cam7]

You wont notice any difference in noise untill your driving usally stoped ,then it is a little louder. As to your bad idle what kind of fuel pressure are you showing?

[Jeepman88]

The noise has always increased when i'm at an idle, and it's very noticeable. I have not tested the pressure (i don't know how).

[Yow_wee]

Make sure yourtank is venting properly and the pick up screen on your pump might be dirty causing pump to work harder which well lead to premature failure. My 98 had the pick up screen so dirty it wouldnt pull any fuel.

[BCBlues]

To heck with the noise. I installed a new fuel pump and pump strainer. Wired the thing directly to the battery and ignition switch using a headlight relay. Bypassed the whole start/pump/ballast resistor/realy thing. Now the pump turns on when the key is turned on and I get full preasure for starting. The jeep now has a smooth idle, more power, and better gas mileage.

[maxburnz]

Originally Posted by BCBlues

To heck with the noise. I installed a new fuel pump and pump strainer. Wired the thing directly to the battery and ignition switch using a headlight relay. Bypassed the whole start/pump/ballast resistor/realy thing. Now the pump turns on when the key is turned on and I get full preasure for starting. The jeep now has a smooth idle, more power, and better gas mileage.

How did ths work out for you? I have a similar problem with the fuel pump, and am thinking of running a wire directly to it from the battery with a toggle switch.
I'm just out of options... its gotta be a short or ground somewhere and i can't find it