All good information above. check compression, oil/fuel mix, water pump replacement. If possible I'd start it in a tank where the water level is higher than the water pump. Hope it's starts and runs well for you, let us know what happens.
"The only button toggles between auto and manual. When I flip that switch I hear the pump start up in the bilge area" That's because the switch is for the bilge pump. Find your bait pump. Trace the input hose from the tank. Is there an intake screen on the bottom of the boat? " If I open the...
That's an old classic meter, I have'nt seen one of them since I was studying electronics in the late 70's. It should work but a digital meter is better and more accurate. I'm not sure what you're measuring, if it's a fast voltage spike the meter may not be able to respond quick enough.
Why are you replacing the fuel gauge and sender? If you were having a problem with them what was the problem? Have you confirmed the fuel tank is grounded? When you measured 12v on the sender where did you have the neg lead? Did you have it on the tank, that's if it's a metal tank?
Do you know how old the impeller/pump is? You may have already fried it but if you don't know how old it is you may want to replace it anyway. Next time run the motor in a tank like a trash can where the water level is above the pump level. Also you can shove a stiff wire in the pee hole to make...
How many terminals are on the back of the switch? I'm guessing you need a DPDT, double pole double throw switch. Look them up online and make sure the switch is rated for at least 12vdc. Disregard the AC rating.
If you are new to boating and plan on going offshore I suggest you take a coast guard class and hook up with a local experianced person to learn from. To answer your radio question the feature you're asking about is called DSC. I believe all new radios come with that option. In case of distress...
PLB's and EPIRB's use satellite communication so your distance from land makes no difference. In fact some hikers/campers use a PLB due to it's small size. That's what I have and take with me whenever I fish on any boat.
Just for starters, Make absolutely sure the gear shift is in neutral. Connect a voltmeter to the starter to measure the voltage while cranking the motor.
