Fuel in steering column ‘86 2.8

[Vineyard86manch]

So I just acquired my old neighbors 86 2.8. I had started it in the past with no issue, but apparently when my neighbor tried to turn it off recently the key was stuck in the ignition and he wasn’t able to return the ignition to the lock position. The battery died. His son had to remove the silver lock ring and really work at it to get the key out. When I jumped it the engine wouldn’t turn over but I could hear the fuel pump working. I also noticed fuel on the key when removing it from the ignition. What’s going on here? Flooded engine or bigger problem. If you can’t tell by my description I’m a mechanical novice. Thanks for any advice!

[Green Mesa XJ]

I’m, not sure why fuel would be on the key unless it was dropped in gas.
You’ve got some kind of mutt there. 2.8 v6 had mechanical fuel pump, if you’re hearing a pump come on it means somebody monkeyed with the Jeep adding it. Plenty of reasons to do so, like putting a newer 2.8 to 3.4 v6 engine in without mechanical fuel pump mounting , to just adding electric pump to bypass and replace the mechanical pump.
No reason any fuel would be anywhere near the steering column unless somebody ran a fuel hose there.

If you’ve got the 2.5 4 cy it’s different and could have an electric fuel pump.

I’d do the basics, check the oil level, check where and how the fuel is getting to the engine, and check the basic wiring see where the wires go getting to the starter and check fuses and relays. Stuff like this, just keep it simple and check the basics.


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[Green Mesa XJ]

Maybe the key was left in for so long it became corroded and they used gasoline to break it down? Really I have no ideas about the fuel on the key


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[Vineyard86manch]

Thanks @Green Mesa XJ I have no clue why either.