What you MUST DO FIRST is remove the block drain quick connects and make sure the block does drain, rust and sediment clog the drains and results in a cracked block
so he removed and turned the lower shift shaft some teeth around.
That not possible with the gen ii you can reverse it but thats all. reversed it wont work either
does the gauge go to zero when you remove the wire? does the gauge go full hot when you ground the wire? Check the voltage, ground, and sender wire at the rear of the gauge.