It should work and you don't even need to have the engine running, just the ignition on. Also, I would not stick the sensor in my mouth if it had been in contact with antifreeze. Keep in mind that you will have to ground the body of the sensor somehow to complete the circuit unless it's a two wire sensor.

__________________
-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250