1997 xj crank no start
 

My jeep will spin over but not start. This started yesterday after crossing a creek about 2 feet deep. The engine acted like it was drowning out but cleared up after a few minutes. The check engine light has been on, but now the light goes off and the engine will not start. After a while the check engine light comes back on and it will start up then. Sometimes it runs fine and sometimes it runs like crap and shuts off. Has anyone else experienced this and what can I do to fix this issue? I have put way too much money into this thing for it to act like this. I need a fix so I can sell it and start over. Thanks.

Sounds like something stupid.

You need three things to fire up an engine: spark, fuel, and compression.

I doubt water crossing would have done anything with your fuel, but run a compression test to make sure it's doing what it's supposed to, and consider doing a full tune-up (new distributor cap, rotor, plugs, and wires).

You're really not supposed to water cross with a distributor-based XJ. Getting those things wet can cause lots of issues with running and starting up and even make it so it can't run at all. 2000+ coil packs are much more efficient when wet.