Thanks for the reply!
I checked the float out of the tank - moved the float up and down manually and watched the gauge only move up to 1/8th of a tank while it was plugged in and grounded.
Thats what stumped me - because I can ground the sending unit wire and it goes all the way to full - didnt let it because i didnt want to fry the gauge.


I can certainly try the ground wire trick to the float though!