in case anyone else runs into this, the water pressure tube connects to a " sender" mounted in the console directly above the steering column.. it's a little cylinder with two wires coming off the top.. the problem was where the hose connects to the sender there is a tiny hole .. it was cloggged, i used a needle to unclog it..
havent tested it yet but am sure this was the problem..
to test the gauge just simply remove the two wires from the sender and touch them together, the gauge should jump all the way up when touched..
thought i would share in case anyone else has this issue