Fuel Gauge still reading barely above empty

[70c10]

If I disconnect the sending unit wire from the fuse panel it reads way past full-
If I connect the wire from the sending unit wire to the fuse panel it reads 1/8.

This is what I have done:
1. Install a brand new sending unit.
2. Install brand new wire from sending unit to fuse block.
3. Ran a continuity test from both tan wires at ignition to cluster plug and fuse block.
4. Ran continuity test from tan wire at cluster plug to fuse block.
5. Tried 4 seperate fuel gauges and resistors on the back of the gauge.
6. Touched the back of the gauge with a test light and it had current.
7. Don't know if this was stupid or not( touched both terminals on the back of the gauge and it shot the gause needle up way past full while making a noise).
8. I pulled the new brass float off the sending unit and submerged it in water and saw some bubbles and could hear water sloshing in it. (obviously a pin hole).
I wanted to solder it but was afraid the gas in it might ignite.
Would a pin hole cause the gauge to read 1/8?.
If so, how should I remove the liquid in the float?. Sorry for the loooong post!