[Excaliber]

HSSS427, the alternatives to a water base temp sensor are complex at best. Exhaust gas temperature perhaps? Head temperature sensor?

From a practical stand point, there really is no easy solution. A low or normal reading on the temp gauge when in fact there is NO water in the system has been a problem over the years for LOTS of people. Including VERY good mechanic type people, on the race track and average Joes.

It's a tough one because it can happen SO fast (like a burst radiator hose) and you may not even be aware of it. Depending on the location of the T-Stat and it's FAILURE to open you can have the same problem, motor temp off the chart while temp gauge reads 'normal', SO you keep driving! If your lucky you might get a clue, but generally the 'clue' is a loss of power, pinging, rough idle and things just don't 'feel right' in general. Meanwhile, your motor is becoming a freakin' BBQ.