i agree it sounds like a ground issue

 

ok I got it fixed. problem with no power was the fuel overflow valve on the return line on the injection pump. the problem with the rpm gauge and shifting problem was the engine speed sensor on the harmonic balancer. someone had taken it of and didn't put the spacers back on to shim it out over the harmonic balancer.. thanks everyone for all the help!

 

I was thinking overflow valve as I read through this. Glad you got it figured out