New gas valve comes with new problems

Hello all,

Thank you to everyone who gave their advice and support on my last post. I decided to make a new post to hopes of not confusing anyone. Although the topic is still to get my propane in wall heater to work.

We have installed a new gas valve and thermocouple. No leaks, no putty, no pilot light issues. When the pilot button is pressed and pilot is lit, it stays on. I believe the new gas valve was needed.

Now the burners will not turn on when the pilot is lit. The only the way the burners come on is if we do this “trick”. Hold a screwdriver to the back of the thermostat on its 2 positions ( shown in picture). Then I can hear and see the burners will kick on through the pilot light peep hole. While holding the screwdriver to the thermostat, the burners and fan seem to operate fine. What does that tell me? What am I missing or need to replace? Please advise. Thanks.