My clothes dryer, Simpson maxidry 457, runs but after a short time smells like smoke. Possibly something caught on the heating element. I did try to clean out the back of the unit but same result. How can I clean off the element and get it running again? Any suggestions?

Troy, June 2007

First check if there is air coming out the exhaust when running. There should be a significant amount of air coming out the back or into your ducting (presumably to the outside).

If not, you could have a broken or fallen off belt to the fan.

At the back there is a dark plastic cover. It has two screws holding it in. Remove these screws and the cover should lift off and unhook at the other end.

Check the belt. Mine was broken. This was the cause of exactly the same symptoms.

Good luck

Robert, July 2007