Great...glad that you were able to find the problem quickly, & that it was something easily fixed, but sorry you had to mess w/replacing the stat again!

But hey, you're an expert at it now!!!
Hey, if you have a chance, let us know if the coolant level in the expansion tank goes down any & you have to add, over the next few days. I'm curious as to whether anyone's system really does purge itself at initial fill up (pouring slowly), or if it takes awhile.
(As I'm getting ready to mess w/all of this myself, I'm kind of on a "mission", LOL, right now, to figure out (& master!? HA!

) this complex, octopus hose, reverse flow, cooling system. Hence that above long post - I took that from my notes for myself that I had been gathering, based on experience, research here & at work, & repair & shop manuals - thought I might as well share it - if anyone sees any boo boos there, or knows of an easier/better way to flush, or has anything to add, please let me know.

)