Another gas gauge issue

The gauge is isolated from ground so ground isn't a factor. Voltage from IVR goes into the gauge at one post, travels approx. 13 inches of 1 ohm per inch insulated resistor wire, then out at the other post. So what happens if the insulation is fried / broken allowing the resistor wire to short to the bimetal beam its wound upon? The entire gauge becomes hot. Since the gauge is isolated from ground the only thing that changed was the approx. 13 ohms resistance from post to post. The resistor wire wouldn't heat up like it should. gauge no workie. No open circuit or short to ground to be found.