That is good news. Press on the valve in the center of the new stat back & forth a few times just to confirm it's free on the pin & toss it in before or after the show. I'd want at least 180 operating temp before the stat opens. What temp stat did you get?. 2 minutes to drill the ~1/16" hole you'll be glad you did with the easier fillup it will afford you.
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
