Testing temp sensor on non-running engine?

[barmanvarn]

Getting really close to firing this sucker up. Just waiting on a carb rebuild kit to arrive.

A while back I found the wire to the temp sensor had some bad spots in it so I cut out the bad wiring and spliced in new wire. Also cleaned off the sensor and whatever it is that it attaches to on the engine.

Got me thinking....once I get the engine started I want to make sure it doesn't overheat on me.

Is there a way to test the sensor and gauge in advance so that I can confirm they are working before I start the engine?

I know that once the engine starts I can just watch the gauge to see if it moves after a bit, but was just curious if it's possible to test in advance.

thanks