Temp Sending Unit Busted -- Problem?

[achopde@avid.com]

The water temp gauge on my '90 model 100 works only intermittently,
and the mechanic tells me that I probably need a new sending unit.

I'm told that costs over $100, so wanted to find out:

1) If I don't replace that sending unit, will it "harm" the car?
Right now, the worst thing that happens is that when it goes on the blink,
it refuses to heat my car ...
2) Is it easy to replace myself? Is there a cheaper source somewhere
(mail-order or near Boston)?

Thanks for any help!

----
Avinash Chopde        |         (508) 640 3138          |  avinash@acm.org
Avid Technology, Inc  |  Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA  |  avinash@avid.com   
Home Page:             http://www.paranoia.com/~avinash/