Engine Runs A Bit warmer Than I like. 1600 DP

[Jimbo In Reno]

So the engine is a DP 1600. And it runs a bit hotter than I like, by dipstick feel. Until i prop the bottom of the deck lid. Then she stays at a nice temp. I hope it's not just keeping the dipstick cooler and giving me false hope. Has anyone else run into this? I've read and read. And some say there's just not enough air getting to the engine. While others say your engine shouldn't run hot if it's put together right, tuned and tin. Not a fan of the raised deck lid so I'd rather look like I forgot to close it. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

[Jimbo In Reno]

Can it be? The fuel pump? I put the filter back in the engine compartment. And the level was never as full as it is now. So as I got my first dead on the road. Thanks high school kids for helping. Told them when they tell their mothers the next day happy mothers day. To tell them I said they've done a great job.
Well no one had the part on a Saturday at 1:30pm. And I missed getting one from through store to store delivery at O'Reilly auto parts by 3 min. So I siphoned enough into the bowl from the tank after some rigging to get home 3 miles. Ordered one on amazon, the Dasparts kit for $36 . Installed it at 8am. Took my usual test run without lid propped. And it didn't get as toasy. Although I want a hot day and a longer drive. The engine starving for fuel may have been the issue. It would have been done weeks ago but I decided not manipulatte the year to have an alternator when ordering. So I have a generator fuel pump for some VW out there in my tool bag.

I know spend the money and get better parts. But I'm having fun getting them from local auto parts stores just like the good ol days. So far 1k miles on her purring along.