The temperature of the coolant will give you an idea of how hard the system is working as you wanted, but as RainerK said its not the actual engine temperature which will always be hotter.
If you fit a gauge first you will need to determine what is the normal operation range for your current cooling system and make a note of the high / low temperature reading. After this anything above or below this is an indication that you are operating outside it's normal range. It may not actual be an issue and how much higher you can go before failure is the unknown part, but at least you have the indication you wanted.
A low reading usually indicates you have lost your coolant.:laugh:
Once you have a gauge fitted it will become the focus of ever journey. I speak from experience as an ex Reliant Scimitar owner, gauge fitted as standard, overheating optional......:laugh: :silly:
Yokohama Geolanders, Sony head unit, NAUTILUS Air Horn, DRL conversion, Rear cargo space, Elvis Bobblehead, transfer Guard, Indian hanging Elephant, Koni Heavy track dampers, Custom SS exhaust, Voodoo Doll, Adventure Rack with LED ight bar, vintage ERIBA caravan usually attached (yes it's slow)
