Locklain

Correct, if the chip is malfunctioning the vehicle will run for I believe three seconds then shut off. When the engine stops there is a little red light that will light up above the temp gauge.

gutter21

Also check the starter wires.....alot of times they will build up corrosion from being in water....this will cause a weak link ....your getting there

AlmightyCrash

The click is not below, but in the ignition area.
Yes, I've tried jumping it.
Hopefully, the starter will pull as easily as ones I've done before.
Still think I'm gonna have to break down the column.

Prob won't have time until next Sunday.
Keep ideas and suggestions coming.

Sharkey

I don't know anything about the Jeep's starter, but when I drowned my Blazer back in high school I got the single click starter thing as well. The solenoid was shot so I put in a new (rebuilt) starter.

gutter21

Check the ignition switch......

6DoF

with the key in the on possition does it seam to be on?

have you tried then shorting a crew driver across the power lead to the starter relay signal pole yet?

Locklain

This is how I had to start on old bronco I had. Ground out the starter and the thing would kick off. Would be something you could do quick to see if the solenoid is in fact junk.

TeraFlex

Maybe some of these? Good luck.

AlmightyCrash

I wish it was that easy.
I'm beginning to think this is beyond my mechanical abilities.
Not really sure what do.
guess I was hoping I'd just clean it up and it would work.

Locklain

Do you know whether the motor has hydrolocked or not? You used to be able to turn the motor over with the fan but I don't think there is a way to manually turn over these motors. . .

Take it a little at a time, don't get discouraged, when the frustrations set in take a break and have a beer.