Latest update. I removed the gauge and bench tested it. This is where it gets frustrating. Works as it is suppose to. With 12v across the two gauge terminals the needle dropped to empty. I then connected the fuel gauge to the power wire and sending unit lead. I turned the key on and the gauge works as expected. At this point the gauge is not mounted in the cluster, it is hanging loose. I now install the gauge back into the cluster, hook up the two wires and it is working. At this point the instrument cluster is hanging loose. I scratch my head and figure I must have had a loose wire somewhere. I drop the instrument cluster back into the dash tighten up the 3 nuts, turn on the ignition and the needle swings around to the right and disappears. WTF. The gauge is clearly working and it matches the sending unit. I was getting about what I expected on the gauge based on the amount of gas in the tank. I only have one other idea. On the back of the gauge it has a copper plate on the back of the circuit board facing the cluster. I assumed this was suppose to ground to the cluster housing. The gauge came with a piece of fiber board that the two post fit through. I wonder if that is suppose to go between the gauge and the cluster housing to prevent it from grounding to the case. The gauge did work just dangling from the wires and not touching ground. I know when the cluster housing is bolted in the case it is grounded and now so is that copper plate on the back of the gauge. The only other thing I know to try is to take it out for the 4th time, slip that piece in there to insulate the gauge and try again.
