[dkirk]

Bill,

Thanks for your observations. I tend to agree, it was something that entered the thermostat during manufacture. It is not bearing material as it's very hard and brittle. Being non-magnetic, it resembles a chunk of thin stainless steel. After seeing this, the thermostat will be replaced. At $157.50, it's the most expensive thermostat I've ever purchased.

I'll keep having fun as long as the money holds out.

Dave