Test engine temp gauge?

lparsons

20+ Year Stangneter :roc</strong><span class=
May 24, 2004
198
1
18
Upstate New York
Is there a way to test the engine temp gauge? I drove 3 hours in 90 degree heat on saturday afternoon, and the needle never pointed past the 12 o'clock position, even with the A/C on doing 70-80 mph in 5th gear.

I'd like to think that my engine was somehow able to stabilize its temp on its own under those conditions, but I'd like to check that the guage really is working before I draw that conclusion.

FWIW, the car was running fine the whole time. I'm not worried that anything went bonk, I just want to make sure that my temp gauge is working properly in case I have to do a longer summer drive again...
 
If you dont want to install your own gauge, you might be able to infer something from reading ECT voltages while driving.