Stumped

Ok , once again. I have established that I have continuity on the sending unit. The ohms read from 9 to about 87. I'm fine there. I have tested this both at the unit base and at the ground wire to the body.
When I apply power I get 5v at the unit stud ,this is good but it is not sending resistance back to the guage. I run a ground test to the power stud and the guage moves.
I don't have the ground strap. I'm using wire and hose clamp and I'm getting good continuity through the unit. I've rechecked the cluster,voltage limiter is good, pins are good, tracers are good and have good ground there also.