right at the moment i dont have the money to buy a new temp meter to replace my old one so i was woundering if there is a simple way to give a rough indication of engine temp, i'm gussing someone should know as digital temp meters hadnt really been widly used up till a few years ago, i remeber somthing about puting a little bit of water on the head and timing how long it took to go

any help will be much appricated

Spit on the head. If it sizzles and boils off almost immediately, like 1-2 secs or less, it is probably too hot. If it takes 3+ secs, you are probably ok. If it instantly vaporizes, you are way way way too hot.

Now, let me introduce you to other RC-ers who will tell you to not worry about temps. Just get the engine running perfect, then richen it slightly, make sure it sounds and looks/feels right, and forget about it. That, along with airflow past the engine, should be all you need.