After exchanging the clutch at the parts store for a different one but getting the same failure to release, I contacted Hayden. I got a response from a Product Analyst who wanted to have the defective clutch. He sent me a tested one for exchange. I just swapped them and this one acts exactly as a thermal clutch should. I am quite pleased with the level of customer service from Hayden.
I shopped to find a Hayden originally because I had previous experience and also prefer to buy Made in USA over Made in China.
Have a great week, folks!
PoD