It just occurred to me -- We have engines that are prone to catastrophic
LOCAs and the temp gauge does not warn b/c it's reading coolant that no
longer exists -- although if the expansion tank empties it ought to
indicate *that*.  Hmmm -- does it, and people just don't notice in
time?  If that's the case, a super-bright LED would answer nicely -- but it
would require drilling out the rivets that hold the face onto the gauge,
and maybe more delicate surgery after that.  Why not put a button-type
thermoswitch (like the one on the reefer fins for you Westy types) directly
onto some hot part of the engine, and use it to trigger a light, buzzer,
siren, whatever.  Wouldn't even have to run the wires to the front if you
use a loud alarm...

david
David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"