I vacuumed out all the lint. About half of the heating element shelf is blackened and the metal is cracked almost through in about four places. I would guess that it had been getting too hot.

This AM I purchased both the thermostat and the fuse from Sears for $21. When I told the lady over the phone that I only needed the fuse, she said the price of the fuse by itself was $25; but if I purchased the package with fuse and thermostat it was $19.89. What kind of sense does that make?

I bought both. As soon as the new element arrives I will install both and see if the thing works.

Has been easy and fun.