Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Cutoff and wires fried

[Teri Costen]

I am hoping someone can assist me.  My dryer is a Whirlpool Model LE5600XSW0.
I replaced the thermal cutoff, thermostat, and a heating element wire that burned out.
Once the parts were replaced, I plugged in the dryer and started it.  Well, my circuit breaker tripped and the Thermal Cutoff and the wires leading into it fried to a crisp.  Please see the attached pictures.
Any thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated.


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[Patricio]

Looks like you have some wires crossed & they shorted  Maybe both legs of the L1 & L2 wired in to the cutoff?   Definitely burnt toast

[Teri Costen]

These are the wires that went into the cutoff.
Those are the only wires that go to it.

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[Patricio]

Direct short at the spade terminal to metal frame is what it looks like.  Full voltage to ground causes that kind of damage.

[AJ]

I agree with Patricio.
Sure you had all the wires plugged back in after replacing the parts?

[Teri Costen]

Yes, all the wires were plugged in.  I'm sorry if I don't understand all of the technical jargon.  Could you explain in laymans terms what caused it and how it could be fixed.  I appreciate the quick responses here. 
This is how the wires are connected on the thermostat on the heating element.  Those wires are ok. 

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[Patricio]

Looks good down there.  Now the burnt wires carry full voltage.  One of them came in contact with a metal ground possibly the back of the cabinet, the heater duct or something. 110 AC volts to ground, the  wire becomes an arc welder until the breaker trips.  You need a new limit & the burnt wiring cut back to good wire & new spade terminals crimped.  Reinstall I check for short to ground with an ohm meter.

[Teri Costen]

Is the new limit a new thermal cutoff?  The parts place is going to replace it for free. 
I received some new wires for another thermostat on the dryer, they have the spade terminals on them.  Can I use these wires? 
Also how would I check for short to the ground?  It is something to do with the heating element and it's cover?
I apologize for my lack of electrical skills. I definitely came to the right place here!  You guys are great.

[Teri Costen]

After further testing, I determined the heating element case had continuity which made it short out.
I disconnected the heating element from the case and reinserted it.  The heating element is testing fine and case are now testing infinity.  Should I replace the heating element to be on the safe side?

[AJ]

Guessing you have it repaired by now, but yes I would have replaced the heating element.

What did you end up doing?

[Teri Costen]

AJ,
I stripped down the wires and put new connectors on them.  Bought a new thermal fuse and thermostat and yes I replaced the heating element as well.  It has been up and running.  I received the dryer as a gift in 1988 and it's still going.  It is used every day.  Over the years I have replaced a couple of heating elements, drum rollers, belt, and even the motor.  Thank goodness for forums like this and you tube videos. 

Thank you for following up,

Teri

[AJ]

That's great Teri, thanks for the update!