Sending unit float?

I consider myself frugal (even cheap) but the fuel sending unit is the kind of thing that I went ahead and just replaced. I paid $45 for the whole thing (came with sock and gasket), you can get it for $35 but I went with stainless steel. I'd rather do it once and be done, it should last another 40 years without a problem instead of having to redo it every once in a while to refix a cheap fix.

That said, IF your float operates correctly then the problem isn't the float- it could be the grounding strap. A very easy fix, get a piece of wire and some hose clamps and attach at the tube coming out of the sending unit and the metal fuel line on the car.