toyota truck gage goes on red?

[sejones1234]

have old 1991 toyota truck. the temperature gage goes all the way in the red. i took it in to a mechanic and he says that i need a new dash that the gage is wrong. the truck smokes a little, it takes a little oil. it has 425,000 with a couple of head jobs. would it be likely that the dash gage is out or am i going to blow another head gasket. what do you think. susan

 

[EricF]

check & see if the thermostat is stuck closed first!!