Fuel Gauge Thoughts Needed

I have done all the usual suspects to get the fuel gauge to respond in my 71 Dart.

New ground strap, new 5v 7805 Voltage Regulator, Buzzed out the wire to the sending unit and it has continuity.

Only thing I have yet to do is checke ohms on the sending unit.

However, grounding the gauge on the sending unit side with 5v on the power side does not get it to respond, so I am leaning towards a bad gauge.

Took it apart and see that the coil has a toasty look to it....stuff even flakes off if you touch it gently. Wire is still in one piece, just wondering if this is normal.

Any thoughts are always appreciated.

Brian