No, you need to do the paper clip thing or get an OBD-1 scanner from the auto store or Wal-Mart.
Although a blown head gasket can heat up quick, the temp sender may just be bad. The usuall is to pull the plugs and inspect for coolant or clean cylinders. If you find nothing you can either take the car's temperature (haha) or unscrew the sender and stick it in a cup of boiling water while reading the gage.
Temp sender Paper clip method 
