[vince1]

Thanks guys,

I took the bezel ring and glass off, after having no joy in getting the plastic stuff apart. Then the indicator plate came off easily and basically the needle just fell off too. That gave access to the inside stuff and I put the ohm meter across the resistor and could see that it was still good.

Seeing that I have pretty well a full tank of fuel I went out and hooked up the gauge, turned on the key and set the needle on in the full position. I turned off the ignition and the needle came to rest just under the E for empty. I put the glass and bezel ring back on and after reinstalling the gauge I think it's good to go.

I think it was just a case of the needle coming loose as a result of the gauge flickering wildly way back when. I have no idea what the issue was but I am happy that it is nice and stable now.