In a message dated 96-05-23 22:35:55 EDT, j316@msg.ti.com (Vance Gist)
writes:

>
>I have a 86 Westy that lasted 187K before I ran it toooo far without 
>water  :( . It now has an engine transplant and is off and running 
>again.
>
>Trust your oil pressure light, but not your water temp gage. The water 
>temp shows normal range once the senser is reading "air." Live and 
>learn!
>
>

That's why the red light comes on when the water level goes down.  
Dennis.